How the DIYZ Mobile App Makes Toilet Repair with a Toddler Fun

05/12/2017 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the DIYZ app®. All opinions of apps and companies that help me complete DIY projects are my own. #DIYZ #GetWise

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Do you enjoy taking on DIY projects around the home, or does the thought make you cringe? I’m somewhere in between. I’ll get excited at the thought of tackling a project, but when it comes time to get the ball rolling, I’m never confident about what all I need. Even if that project is getting the ball to roll! Luckily, I was introduced to the DIYZ app that features an extensive library of DIY projects that users of all skill levels can take on with confidence.

I’ll admit, Going Mom is handier with projects around the home than I am, but scrolling through the plethora of DIY projects on the DIYZ app had me ready to prove myself as a handyman. The app provides step-by-step guides with segmented how-to videos, a list of recommended tools and materials needed and even the option to speak with a Pro Advisor via video chat or over the phone. Oh, and it’s free to download for iPhone in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android. For a limited time, even the video-chat is FREE!

I already found a number of projects saved that I wanted to start right away, but there was one looming repair beckoning for my upmost attention. And that, of course, was the toilet flush valve.

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For months, our toilet would constantly run throughout the day as it never completely filled to the level inside the tank. The noise was subtle at first, but, it eventually progressed to the equivalent of fingernails slowly running down a chalkboard. Avery refused to use it since it screeched out in protest when she lifted the lid. We told her he was just a grumpy potty feeling down in the dumps and it was our “duty” to fix him. She’s still too young to laugh at my dad jokes and just looked at me like I was full of crap. Kind of how I felt about this guy….

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As annoying as it was, not to mention a waste of water, I just never took the time to figure out where to begin with fixing the thing. No worries, the DIYZ app clearly lists the recommended tools and supplies needed to complete this project and I could purchase everything right on the app via Amazon.

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My wife and I try to teach Avery to face her fears, and judging by her willingness to help daddy fix the “flapper” in the potty, I’d say we’re doing a good job.

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With easy to follow instructions on the app, my little plumber and I went about replacing the noisy toilet flush valve with a brand new one. It’s a tight squeeze to turn off the water supply line if you’re a grown adult, but it was a non-issue for Avery.

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Her willingness to turn off the water supply and hold the lines inside the tank honestly helped me with our daddy-daughter project. It’s great that she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, but whether she actually liked it or not is a different story.

Despite the “helping” hands of a squirmy toddler the project was complete in the same amount of time as an episode of Doc McStuffins. Following the segmented videos with step-by-step instructions helped me focus on one thing at a time and not try to remember everything at once. With the confidence to complete our DIY potty repair made for a fun way to bond with my little girl and actually get something done at the same time.

My only regret is not downloading the DIYZ app sooner. There are so many projects I had issues completing in the past and ended up calling in a professional every time. But, the DIYZ app has the option to video video-chat with a licensed professional via the Pro Advisor feature. Advisors are available from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM ET Monday through Friday. On weekends, DIYZ advisors will be available to help tackle projects from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM ET. The best part? This feature is free for a limited time! FREE!

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I’m thankful to be part of the #DIYZGuys team full of dads taking over the home with help from the DIYZ app. Make sure to follow DIYZ on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for helpful tips and ideas for DIY projects and repairs in and around your home.

May is National Home Improvement Month which is a perfect time to find something fun to create or fix as a family. Search the app to find a home improvement project (or five) you want to start and get to it!

Going Healthy

Healthy Protein Goat Cheese Crackers

05/06/2017 R.C. Liley 5 Comments

A few years ago, I made goat cheese crackers for Going Mom for Mother’s Day? As a former Cheez-It addict, these goat cheese crackers are whey healthier and even more addicting. My wife confirmed the addictive properties by making them disappear within 2 days.

I promised to share the recipe then, and since I’m a man/dad/husband of my word, I’m sharing for all who care to see and try. Guys, forget the jewelry this Mother’s Day, these goat cheese crackers are the key to her heart and tastebuds!

Healthy Protein Goat Cheese Crackers

Ingredients

1 cup coconut flour
3/4 cup unflavored protein powder
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
4 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese or plain yogurt
4 ounces creamy goat cheese (aka chevre)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but highly recommended)
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1/4 cup favorite salsa; I use Drew’s Organic

Directions

Combine flour, oat bran, cheeses, salt, and cayenne in a food processor.
Pulse until crumbly and then add in salsa a little at a time, until dough comes together. (You may need to add more)
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and quick chill in freezer for 5 – 10 minutes or in fridge overnight.
Preheat oven to 350º. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick silicone mats. Set aside.
Place dough between parchment paper or a silicone mat; it can be sticky. With a rolling pin, roll to 1/8-inch thickness.

Using a greased pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares or whatever size you like. Poke holes with a fork or toothpick in each one to help keep them from being to “puffy”. Slide parchment paper or mats onto baking sheets.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until crackers turn a light brown and are crisp. Remove one to let cool and check to see if it’s crispy. If they are not crisp, bake a few minutes longer.
Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (they won’t last that long!).

This is how the sheets will look after cooking in the oven, but it’s easy to break into the squares you formed.

I used unflavored whey protein powder to give these crackers a protein-packed punch. If you don’t have or don’t want to use protein powder, just sub more coconut flour or a mixture of nutritional yeast and coconut flour.

Rolled oats can be used as well if you don’t have or like the other dry ingredients. They will mix just fine after being pulsed in the food processor. Whatever you do, give these a go and have fun in the “process”. Man I crack myself up.

These have a tendency of disappearing quickly, I highly recommend hiding a few for yourself or you’ll end up with zilch. I speak from experience…..

Guest Post

Is There An Age Limit For Acquiring An EIN?

04/12/2017 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

If you are a young business owner, the process of setting everything up can be especially confusing. One of the things that you will need for your business come tax season is an EIN, or an Employer Identification number. The EIN number serves to identify your business to the IRS for tax purposes. Once you apply for and receive an EIN for a given business, that number will remain tied to your business and you will use it to file your taxes every year. Here is a bit more that young business owners should know about the EIN.

Age Limits: There is no age limit for acquiring an EIN. However, if you are a minor, you may want to check the laws in your given state to ensure that you are legally able to work. If you are not yet able to be an employee, you may be able to obtain an exemption as a small business owner- though minors will likely need parental consent.

Who Needs an EIN?: An EIN is required for small businesses and other ventures that require employees. For instance, if you are starting a business with a group of friends, you likely need an EIN. However, if you are an independent contractor and are the only employee in your business, you may not need that number and may instead use your social security number to file your taxes.

The Process: To receive your EIN, you will need to fill out Form SS-4. You can apply for an EIN online- this is usually fastest, easiest, and the most convenient method. You also have the option of mailing or faxing a completed SS-4 form to the IRS, but be prepared to wait several weeks for a response.

While being a young business owner can be complicated, tax season can be fairly simple with a bit of research and the right resources.

For more, visit www.irs-ein-tax-id.com.