All posts by R.C. Liley

I'm an ex-mutual fund accountant who left the cubicle world to be a stay-at-home dad to my beautiful little girl, Avery, who entered our life on 11/15/13 and handsome little boy, Wes, who joined our family on 11/19/17. Also happily married to my wife, Kelley, as of 8/17/07. Sorry ladies... :) Fitness and nutrition is of the utmost importance in our family and we strive to reflect this in our daily life. I always prepare our meals at home and only go out if it's a special occasion, and even then I tend to not get much. Food should be fun and a joy to eat, not something quickly consumed from a fast food chain or scarf down before the next meeting. I have come from strictly logging high miles to train for the next marathon to keeping exercise varied and focusing more on strength. I still enjoy going for a run when I can, but nothing crazy, and I prefer hill sprints while pushing my daughter, Avery in the stroller. She loves it and I get a great workout! I want to show the world how to appreciate their body and feed it real, wholesome food while moving more throughout the day. In doing so, everyone would be healthier, happier, and we'd all live in a better place as a result. I blog mainly about my life as a stay-at-home dad and frequently include reviews, participate in campaigns, and share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition. If you ever have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out as I'm always open to listening or helping others however possible. That is, when I have free time since Avery is and my wife are the number one priorities!
Life, Parenting, Tips

Top 10 Daddy Gifts For All Occasions

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You usually wash daddy’s clothes, polish his shoes and serve him after work. You may have so many fun memories with your dad. However, it is always a headache for you whenever you decide to get him a gift, be it on his birthday, father’s day, Christmas eve, or new year’s eve. All because there are numerous gifts to select from, and you are not sure you can get him the perfect one. You need not worry. Here are the top ten gift suggestions to give daddy for all occasions.

Sweatshirts

You can give your daddy a sweatshirt as an all-season gift if he is the athletic yet fashionable daddy. Sweatshirts have this comfortable feel that keeps you warm in more relaxed atmospheres. There are many types of sweatshirts to make a pick from to surprise your daddy. You may choose a crew neck sweatshirt that is slightly heavier than a regular long-sleeved shirt but with a crew neck. It can be a perfect choice if your dad is a simple man.

You can also opt for the polo sweatshirt from Ralph Lauren Clothes, which has its unique official touch and a polo neck. Other types to choose from are the hooded sweatshirts, the fitted sweatshirts, the pullover type, the athletic ones for running outside, the mock neck, zipped, fleece, and Baja types. Any of these types may be selected depending on the preference, build, and fashion sense of your dad.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses have a fashionable yet classy appeal depending on the type of sunglasses and the weather. However, you need to be sure you have seen your dad’s rock sunglasses in the past. To make it even super cool, you could buy matching colors for yourself and your daddy. Take a look at the various types and shades you could make a pick from. 

If you are considering a summer outdoor experience with daddy, you may opt for the Durand sunglasses. They appear just like regular sunglasses with a combined design of round and square shapes, making it a bit of both. With its scratch resistance and hand-polished cellulose acetate, you are sure daddy can use it like prescription or fashionable glasses. You can also go for the pilot sunglasses, which come in a simple but classy style. You may also select from the cat eye, club master, rectangle, shield, or wayfarer. 

My dad And I photo album

It is pretty understandable why people occasionally pick their family photo albums and smile while looking through them. The memories shared are forever stored in the album. Getting a “my dad and I photo album” will be an extraordinary gift your daddy will never forget. However, you may consider making a photo collage to relive the special memories you share with your dad. Your biggest challenge will be choosing from your collection of pictures. You can build a gradual tempo by starting with pictures from when you were little. Then add pictures from when daddy changed your diapers, sent you to school in a baby’s carrier, preschool pictures, and graduation pictures. The catchy point will be the numerous random photos your mom might have snapped of you and daddy. To further create a relishing effect on your dad, you may create funny captions that he can relate to. 

Handmade leather bookmark

A handmade leather bookmark can be an exceptional gift for your bookworm daddy. For many book lovers, a handmade leather bookmark may be a special fancy gift. The bookmark will constantly remind your dad of how thoughtful you are towards him. You can choose a long-grain full-length leather bookmark with a quote from one of his favorite authors. There are many more styles and colors to choose from, depending on how you see your dad.

Customized phone case

Another unique gift you can give your dad is a customized phone case. Gadget lovers usually enjoy the relish that comes with having customized gadgets. They may occasionally show it off among their peers. Customized phone cases are handy gifts your daddy will cherish. Think of it this way, wherever daddy goes, he moves with his phone, and your gift will always remind him of you. You will need a few samples of his pictures with his big man grin on. Get a good designer to make a lovely print on the back of the phone case. If you have a very close bond with your daddy, a customized frame of you both your smiles can be a good choice.

For the perpetual latecomer, a personalized watch stand and watch

The choice of a personalized watch stand and custom watches may be a good gift for your dad. If he has missed the time to pick you up from school, always late for dinner, never early for a planned date or outing, your gift may start the course to refine him to be punctual. The customized watch stands come in many types of wood, plastic, and metal. You may have a wide range of watches to make a pick from. For someone who has the habit of being late, you may buy a much lighter watch that will be easy to move around with.

A road trip vacation

Your daddy may be an indoor person always glued to his newspaper, movies, and music. A preferred gift would be a road trip vacation. You may want to spend some time planning the perfect getaway road trip to give your daddy the outdoor exposure he needs. Preferably a summer camping trip will do just fine. It will be an excellent time to stretch out and enjoy the warmth of summer.

3d screen magnifier

Have you observed daddy squinting his eyes to read from his phone or catch up on his favorite shows and movies on Netflix? Then a 3D screen magnifier can be the best gift to give him. The magnifying screen will give daddy some alone time and peace to enjoy his preferred content on his phone without much struggle and eye constraints.

New York Times custom front page puzzle

Many older folks love to keep in touch with the world around them by reading newspapers. If your dad is a New York Times regular, this gift may appeal to his fancy. Try getting a front-page publication that he can relate to. It can be a front-page publication that talks about his line of work or his locality. Customize it nicely and present it to him as a gift. Your dad will appreciate such a gift.

For the thrifty shopper, undies will be a good gift

Your dad may be among the section of men that hardly spend their money on shopping. You can select some very nice undies for your daddy. Some comic-related designed undies may be what he needs if he is a comic lover.

These are some top suggestions, but you can always twist it slightly to fit your fancy to make your daddy happy.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

The Benefits Of Healthcare Checkups

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Many of us put off healthcare checkups, especially when we feel that we are in good health. However, healthcare checkups are there for a reason. Just like the website for a family doctor Fort Collins, it’s easy to find a provider in your area using online tools. Instead of avoiding your next appointment, consider these benefits to change your mind and achieve better health.

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Discover underlying issues

Although you might feel in good health, there might be underlying issues that can lead to future health deterioration. Catching the issues early will mean that you can get effective treatment and improve your overall health. 

This is why it’s of utmost importance to schedule regular checkups with your doctor and orthodontist – sure, your health is at an all-time high now, but who knows who long that will last? Nobody said you should start worrying about things that aren’t there, but having a proactive approach to your wellbeing will help you prevent unnecessary headaches, expenses, and trouble! The choice is yours, but if you want to stay on top of your game physically and vene mentally, set a half-yearly reminder to see your local healthcare professional!

For instance, you might not have realized that your hearing is deteriorating and you might require a hearing aid to improve your quality of life. When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, an audiologist will assist you with the most effective option for your hearing needs. You may require one that is discreet for your confidence or one with impressive digital features so that you can adjust the settings when on the go.

Lose the fear

Attending regular checkups will help the situation feel more normal and comfortable, which can help you or your kid lose their fear of the doctor. It is common to have a fear of healthcare appointments. Whether it be down to wanting to avoid the truth or simply being uncomfortable due to the tools, it is something many people struggle with.

Knowing that more people have fear can also help you lose your fear. If you speak to your friends and family about your fear, they will help you overcome it. Similarly, if you warn the healthcare practice that you are anxious, they will make the appointment as comfortable as possible.

Increase lifespan

When you attain effective treatment, you will improve your overall health and increase your lifespan. You may receive treatment that cures an issue, which could have lead to a shorter life. 

Instead, attend healthcare checkups to check your health and receive the right treatment to increase your lifespan.

Reduce healthcare costs

If you catch an issue early and treat it, it will less likely lead to future complications. If you leave your issues and allow them to worsen, then you might result with more healthcare costs to cover. 

Thus, if you attain the right treatment early enough, you will pay less. Healthcare costs can be expensive so attending to your health as soon as possible will help keep costs down. 

More efficient healthcare

When you attend regular checkups, you will likely build a better relationship with your doctor, nurse, or dentist. When you have a better relationship your healthcare may be more efficient. 

The professionals will understand your health and know more about you, which can help them offer you the best treatment for your health and personal needs. 

Whether or not you fear healthcare checkups, it will benefit you if you attend them regularly. You will be able to stay on top of your health, cut costs, and discover underlying issues. Healthcare appointments do not need to be scary, which you will notice the more often you attend them.

Going Healthy, Lifestyle, Parenting

Four Ways to Encourage Children To Get Outdoors More

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As children get older, there will be more and more distractions for them. Computer games, games consoles, friends, and other activities can all be a distraction from wanting to get outdoors. When children are younger, they will follow your lead and if you’re heading out on a walk, then they will be coming with you too. But as your children get older, and if they don’t already have a love of the outdoors, how can you help them to get outside more and enjoy all that nature has to offer? Here are some ideas to help.

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Eating alfresco

If you want to encourage older children to get outside with you, then it is wise to think about involving food in some way. It could be that you choose to go for a breakfast picnic with them, or perhaps you just decide to eat out in the backyard on a warm summer evening. When they’re outside for the food, it makes it easier to then go for a walk or play in the yard as they are out there already.

Make it more fun

Just saying to the kids that you’re all going on a hike can feel a little dull and boring, especially if their other option is playing a bright and shiny new game online with their friends. So you need to think of ways to make it more fun. For example, if you want to take your children fishing, then make sure you get something like a jika rig to make the process easier for them. If you’re thinking of going camping, then incorporate something like making s’mores, to make the whole thing much more enjoyable for them. If you are focusing more on making your backyard more fun for them, why not think about installing a pool? There are websites such as https://premierpoolsandspas.com/locations/ that can help you with finding a builder for your pool. It’s great exercise and it will certainly get them out from behind that computer as they’ll be outside in the fresh air having fun.

Take the indoors outdoors

If you have children that just want to play with their Lego or read books, then how about bringing that outside? They could read in a hammock outside or bring games and toys to the park or to the backyard to play with. Then they get the best of both worlds, doing what they want to do, all the while being in nature and soaking up some all important vitamin D from the sun. 

Create a scavenger hunt

Even if they don’t want to admit it, there aren’t many children that don’t enjoy hunting for something, especially if there is some kind of reward at the end of it all. By creating a scavenger hunt for your children, you could get them into the woods, the local park, or just in their backyard, searching for things in nature, getting them moving, and having lots of fun at the same time. 

One of the key things as parents is that we need to lead by example. If you’re reluctant to get outdoors, then it will be no surprise that your children are that way inclined too. Be enthusiastic when you talk about your plans and outdoor activities, talk about the benefits, and make sure that activities are planned in order to get you all outdoors exploiting and enjoying nature.