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!
Going Green, Life, Lifestyle

Simple Ways To Improve Your Home With Energy-Saving Upgrades

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energy saving, home, home improvement, diy, solar,
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Your home is easily your most significant investment and therefore requires some tweaks, home improvements, or renovations from time to time. But although it is essential to make regular upgrades, it is equally necessary to ensure that each improvement you make does not become a financial burden on you or reduce your home’s value. One of the most critical areas of your home that requires attention when it comes to upgrades is the area of energy consumption. That is because energy consumption usually takes up a considerable chunk of household budgets and comes with adverse effects on the environment. So, are you thinking about making some upgrades to your home anytime soon? Then consider the following tips to help make your improvements more energy-saving and save money.

Opt for renewable energy systems

Renewable energy tech options will help you provide electricity or warm up your home without needing to burn up fossils. There is a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to renewable energy systems. These include using solar panels, heat pumps, etc.

Solar panels may be a bit costly to install, but they will end up saving you lots of money on your electric bills long-term while protecting the environment also. If you live in New Jersey, you can signup with community solar, as this will make it even easier and less expensive to adopt clean and renewable energy. You can also use a heat pump system to replace your conventional heating system to enjoy many benefits. Aside from the fact that you will benefit from reduced energy costs, you will also be able to provide a much-improved level of comfort for your family. 

Loft insulations

You can end up losing about a quarter of your home’s heat if you do not put the proper loft insulation in place. And this represents up to about 30% of your home’s heat. That is because a lot of the heat your HVAC system can generate can be lost through your roofing. If you are not sure if you have the right money, you can always go for loft insulation grants to help you reach your financial goal.

Beyond loft insulations, you can also make the needed improvements in your wall and floor insulation options where necessary. You can lose about 35% of your home’s heat through your walls if you do not have the proper wall insulation installed. There are various ways to insulate your walls. And these include internal, external, and cavity wall insulations.

When it comes to floor insulation, your home can lose up to about 10% of its heat if the floor insulation system is not done right – or not done at all. However, depending on the design or construction of the floor of your home, you may not be able to upgrade its insulation. 

Upgrade your windows

Giving your windows the right upgrade comes with several benefits for your home and your family. For starters, the more windows you have, the more you’ll be able to bring in loads of natural light during the day, which will not only help cut down on your light bills, but your family will be able to enjoy the benefits of natural light. Furthermore, upgrading your windows means you should be able to let in more fresh air during the day, making you less reliant on artificial ventilation options during warm systems. 

Additionally, if you can get your windows adequately sealed, you should be able to prevent heat loss from leaking through spaces in and around your windows. And if you cannot afford to install new windows, you can always find ways of making the ones you already have more energy-efficient with some very simple hacks. For example, you can tape a clear plastic sheet in the inner areas of the window frame. Doing this will help to reduce drafts. You can also opt for window shades as a way of protecting against heat waves or cold drafts.

LED lighting

LED lighting offers arguably one of the (if not the most) easiest energy-saving upgrades you can make to your home. Can any upgrade be simpler than purchasing some energy-saving bulb and fixing them? But as simple as led bulbs are, they will end up saving you a considerable amount on your light bills. And when you combine this option with your upgraded windows bringing in enough natural lights, you will be doing your home and your family a lot of good. An LED light bulb uses about 70% less energy than the other light bulbs. Plus, they can also last at least 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent lighting you may be used to.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle, Tips

Key Things to Integrate Into a Healthy Lifestyle

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You’ve all heard it before, “it’s not a diet; it’s a lifestyle.” The simple reason for this is that it’s true! Fad diets simply don’t work, and the reason you either snap back to your natural weight setting or put on more weight than before is that you’re not permanently changing anything. Your body tries to get back to what it considers normal.

But there’s more to life than weight, and more to your body, too. A healthy lifestyle can improve your energy levels, organ functions, skin elasticity and appearance, hair thickness, bathroom habits, oral health and most importantly, happiness. After all, if something happens and you need your wisdom teeth removed, you’ll be in a better and happier state than if your health was simply left to deteriorate and you didn’t have the dental procedure. It is a simple fact. Plus, being healthier will make your dentist happy too. So, here are the keystones of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which are all very doable.

Water

It’s free, and it’s easy to do. You might have heard that drinking 8 glasses a day is the ideal amount, but really it varies from person to person. Using your body weight in pounds, calculate 2/3 of that to give you the amount of water in ounces you should aim for.

Our bodies are made up of mostly water, and keeping a good balance of H2O can improve your energy levels, organ functions, and the appearance of your skin and hair. Water keeps headaches at bay and can even curb food cravings. Sometimes if you get a hunger pain, it’s actually a pang of dehydration. Have a glass of water and see how you feel.

Walking

Any exercise is good exercise, and walking is my personal favorite. It’s so easy to do, and you don’t have to be an athlete or wear special clothes to do it. You don’t get sweaty or need to get changed, and you can integrate it into your day and use it for getting to and from places you need. Park a little further away, get off the bus a few stops early, walk to the shop if you don’t need to drive, take the stairs instead of the elevator. There are lots of simple ways to add more steps to your day if you look for them.

Fiber

Eating fiber every day maintains a healthy gut, and more importantly, a healthy bowel! It’s clear if you haven’t been eating your bran or fibrous fruits when you’re feeling bloated or constipated, which is a pretty horrid feeling. Eating a bowl of fiber-filled cereal every morning is my way of ticking it off for the day.

Protein and Fats

Proteins such as meat, eggs, nuts, dairy, soy, tofu, and plant-based sources are important for repairing muscle and keeping the body going. It’s incredible how filling a little protein can be and should be part of your main meals.

5 a Day

An easy rule to follow is to consume at least five portions of fruit and veggies every day. This doesn’t mean five servings of blueberries, of course, but a good balance of various produce, with more veggies than fruit.

Less Refined Sugar

Sugar is a modern invention and an addictive one. While it’s almost impossible to avoid all sugar, keeping refined sugars down is beneficial to your health. This means everything from candy and chocolate to junk food, chips, and processed foods. Don’t be fooled by ‘low fat’ labels, which just means they add more sugar, which then turns to fat in the body anyway. Similarly, with ‘no added sugar’ labels, which means there is still sugar in them, just no ‘added,’ whatever that means! Keep an eye out for this, and your body and your teeth will be thankful for it.

Moderation

Everything in moderation, including moderation, it’s okay to have cheat days or indulge yourself once in a while. Even the pediatric dentist’s office from this website practices moderation by offering free ice cream. This is for the rest of your life, after all. Don’t think of it as a punishment, but as a way of feeding and nourishing your body. As long as any unhealthy habits are done in moderation, you’ll be on the right track!

Lifestyle, Tips

Essential Roof Care Tips

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A set of responsibilities always accompanies homeowners. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, changing an air filter, or fixing the attic, a home needs constant care. One part of my home that demands constant attention is the roof. Nothing sends shivers down my spine more than a damaged, leaky, or out of shape roof! If yours is in dire need of repair, however, getting an expert like an Excelsior Roofing Company to handle it is important. You want the repairs to last, after all. In the meantime, below are the roof care tips I religiously follow.

Proper Inspection

Roofs tend to deteriorate due to exposure to harsh conditions. I have made it a habit to check out mine periodically. My visual inspections are done twice a year when the roof is free from snow. However, I tend to also take a good look after hurricanes, gales, and any windy conditions.

The inspection routine is done in two steps. First, I use binoculars to check for any wear and tear. At this point, I also compare my roof’s condition with that of my nearby neighbours. The second inspection involves grabbing a ladder and heading up to check missing tiles, signs of rust, chimney flashings, and any missing sections.

Cleaning Off Debris

Whenever we clean our homes, the roof is probably never on our list. However, it’s vital to ensure no dirt, foreign objects, or vegetation are present. Since my roof contains asphalt shingles, it’s prone to algae, moss, and mold. Mold growth can be spotted as black or green stains.

I spray-wash my shingles with a mixture of water and bleach to eliminate the algae. I generally avoid pressure washers. I tried them once and ended up damaging my shingles. Once everything is done, I rinse the entire roof with clean water.

Trim Nearby Trees

Low-hanging tree branches can wreak havoc on any roof. These branches might scrape shingles and generate gaping holes and leaks to the roof. Alternatively, large branches risk falling on and damaging the roof during heavy storms.

Trees also shed leaves and small twigs that might accumulate on gutters and block them. As a precaution, I have few trees near my house and regularly trim any branches that appear to overgrow.

Check and Clean Gutters

Gutters are the best indicators of issues with shingles. A large collection of shingle granules pinpoints to degraded shingles. Gutters also play a critical role in directing water and debris away from the foundation and roof. Stalled water tends to damage the roof, soffit, foundation, fascia and accelerate the growth of mold. Installing Seamless Gutters is a great way to protect your home against heavy storms by moving water away from your home without interruption.

I clean my gutters each season. When cleaning, I keep an eye on clogged leaves, debris and check on any leaks present. A clean gutter ensures that water flows properly off the roof! If cleaning seems daunting, you can bring in experts like Smart Florida Gutters to take care of all of your gutter needs including cleaning, installing, and repairing.

Keep Ice and Snow Off

I reside in a bitterly cold location, where snow and ice are a daily theme. Built up snow and ice weighs heavily. When this weight is exerted on the roof, it creates stresses and interferes with its structural integrity. Besides this issue, ice also melts and might start leaking water into the house.

I have solved the snow and ice problem by redesigning my roof. However, my roof still experiences minor ice accumulations during the winter. Luckily, some professional contractors live nearby and help remove the accumulated ice. They even go a little more in depth at times with their cleaning services, which is great. Removing ice from roofs is extremely hazardous and requires professionals to do the job.

Swift Action

Roof care demands quick action. A small issue like a leaking roof can spiral in magnitude if it isn’t fixed quickly. I am constantly on the lookout for warning signs such as daylight penetration, debris from broken slates, and mortar droppings in the gullies. Smoke leaks through the brickwork help me identify chimney hitches. The presence of these signs indicates that my roof needs maintenance, and I do precisely that.

Bring in the Expert

DIY fixes on the roof can sometimes be extremely dangerous and costly. A policy that I follow to the latter is that it’s better to enlist an expert whenever I doubt something. And not any other handyman, but an accredited roofing expert. From experience, such professionals are genuine, well-versed with roofing, and have the technical know-how to solve issues. There’s much to be learned, money to be saved, and advice to be taken from roofers.