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3:12 PM

A Season of Giving Back | The Home Depot Foundation

 

As the end of the year gets closer, our family reflects on the things that we accomplished and the things we have yet to do. One of the things that we do around this time is finding ways to give back. Seeing the great things that The Home Depot Foundation has done, we are glad to have partnered with them and highlight the great things that they do while also inspiring us to extend a helping hand when we can. You can see how important it is to prepare and be prepared for disasters in our Hurricane Season Preparedness post.

Giving back is something that our family has been doing for the last 3 years. Not only do we do that to help the less fortunate but also in hopes of teaching our kids the importance of giving and lending a helping hand. Having the opportunity to highlight The Home Depot Foundation’s philanthropic efforts has been a great way to learn about different efforts around the country such as Operation Surprise! Leading by example is one way, as a dad myself, to teach my daughters and family how to give back and by seeing these efforts we can align ourselves with others’ missions.

Some things that the Foundation has done in the past are preparations for disaster relief, such as hurricanes and tornadoes like the ones found here. You can also see some of the great initiatives that have happened throughout this eventful year on The Home Depot Foundation Instagram page. As mentioned above, Operation Surprise was a great initiative to help our veterans and communities in need, and I am glad to be an ambassador for  the organization making it happen. 

This year we gathered together nonperishable food items to go drop off at the Houston Food Bank. Our family got together and talked about what it meant to give back as we filled a box with goods. This has been one of the few things that we have consistently been able to do over the past 3 years. Growing up we didn’t get to help others because it was us who found ourselves on the receiving end. Now that we are in a position to help and give, I give thanks, and give what I can because we all go through tough times, whether they are caused by natural events or other circumstances. Seeing The Home Depot Foundation help veterans, homeowners with a need to restore their homes or those who have lost everything to natural disasters has reinforced my belief that giving and helping others can truly make a positive impact as well as help others on their feet. I’ve learned that we are all subject to disasters and can come from all kinds of circumstances and backgrounds. In my life, I’ve learned to receive and give thanks, and am glad to be the one to give back. 

Big thanks to all the #TeamDepot members who have stepped in to help those affected by the 2021 Hurricane Season and the 2021 Tornado that hit Western Kentucky! 

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3:36 PM

Hurricane Season Preparedness 2021 | Home Depot Foundation

 This post is sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation. As an ambassador, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

We are now in the 2021 hurricane season and as we share the important message of storm preparedness, I also want to highlight some things The Home Depot Foundation has done and will continue to do to help  our communities prepare and rebuild. 

As an ambassador for The Home Depot Foundation, I am elated to highlight the good that they do and how important it is for the communities on the Gulf Coast, especially in Houston, a city prone to flooding. As a Houstonian, born and raised, I know how disastrous some of these hurricanes, storms and tornadoes can be in the region. From being stuck in flooded streets, flooded homes, leaky roofs, I know the feeling of needing help when disasters have their way. 

The rain here can be relentless at times and even when we prepare to the best of our ability, we could find ourselves needing help from others. And because of those personal experiences I’ve had while living through countless hurricanes, it is good to know that this Foundation prepares communities and nonprofit partners before the disasters and also aids in post-storm recovery and rebuilding. The Home Depot Foundation launches large-scale efforts to donate essential supplies to help Americans rebuild and recover. These efforts would definitely come in handy even when we do our best to prepare ourselves. For example, there have been random tornadoes and if they were to have damaged our roof, we would be affected. There are some things mother nature simply overpowers us in.

As a dad of two girls, it’s important for me to model good values like supporting our local community, which is why it is great seeing the nonprofit arm of @HomeDepot make it a goal to prepare and supply others for these natural events, especially when you see them sharing disaster clean up kits like the ones you see here. Philanthropic efforts are great to see in our communities, especially when some of them are affected disproportionately and could use the extra support. In many cases, more often than not, the homeowners can only prepare themselves as much as their financial resources allow them. This is why it is important to spread awareness of how to prepare for natural disasters and why organizations like The Home Depot Foundation are ready to help support communities if the need arises.

In 2021 already, The Home Depot Foundation has committed more than $5 million to disaster relief efforts. And, the @HomeDepot stores located in strike zones (Gulf Coast region being one of them) often become command centers for first responders and relief agencies. They work together on preparedness and relief efforts and I am glad to be a part of that. Visit The Home Depot Foundation to learn more about their efforts.

I wish everyone a safe hurricane and tornado season and hope that you prepare as best as you can for yourself, your family and your home.

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10:31 AM

Every Adventure Starts Here | Father's Day Gifts At DICKS'S Sporting Goods

 This post is sponsored by DICK'S Sporting Goods. These are my opinions based on my own experience.

Father's Day Gifts. One of the top things searched for online around this time of year. And out of all things we could get dad, finding the things to get dad to enjoy the outdoors seems to be the top pick. My family and I have been a fan of DICK's Sporting Goods for a few years now, and it has helped our family enjoy the outdoors more. This last winter we found some great Winter Holiday finds and some of them would be great for Father's Day too! 

Father's Day Gift Guide

There were a few things I wanted to focus on when it came to creating a gift guide for dads this year. Sportswear, health and fitness, and outdoors gear were the 3 main areas that had great items to gift this coming holiday. 

One of the coolest finds was a pair of Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses. I had no idea they were sold there and I would put this on the gift list if dad wants to needs some. These shades go well with this athleisure look with VRST pieces, an exclusive brand of high quality pieces perfect for everyday activities. These VRST joggers are great for that athleisure look, working out, and just about any other activity thanks to their flexibility and breathability. The Shirt is also from VRST and kept me cool on this day where temps hit triple digits. To finish the outfit, I found these Adidas Ultraboost last winter and are now on sale. Put these shoes close to the top of the list! They are comfortable and stylish.

If you have kept up with my stories on Instagram, you know that I have been working out and posting a few things about fitness. After a year of working from home, I am ready to get a little more active and the having the right gear alwas helps us get closer to our fitness goals. The athletic wear from Adidas has been my go-to , in case you couldn't tell, and the shorts have zip-up pockets which are great for keeping keys or other small items secured in place. The sleeveless Tee is great for those hot workouts in the garage or for showing off some workout gains. I wanted to switch up some workouts and found that this kettlebell is great for adding new exercises to my routine. 

Let's find some things for the outdoor. Whether you are simply stepping outside for some grilling or going off the trail and need some camping gear, I believe these are great things to have ready for the next adventure. This grilling set is awesome and as a dad that recently got a new grill, it is great to have my own grilling utensils. We used to go camping quite often but slowly stopped and thinking about it now, I am not sure why we stopped. Everyday is a great day to get outdoors and some of my most memorable moments have been while camping. So I found this tent that fits a small family and comes at a great value. Also, because of how hot it gets in the summer, we picked up one of these tent fans which have helped lots in the past.

There are some other small items that you can easily pick out for dad. The YETI Rambler's are great to have for those cold drinks in the summer and hot sips during the winter. One hot seller is the mystery tackle box which I think is pretty cool and could spark some fond memories fishing with dad or grandpa. If I am honest, one of my favorite items has to be the Birkenstock EVA slides. Get a pair of them for dad. They fit so well and are so comfy, definitely more value than they are selling for. Thank me later! 

Well, I will let you go shopping now and hope that dad gets some cool gifts this year, and my hope is that I helped you put some of these items on your list found at DICK'S. Happy Father's Day!

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4:29 PM

Father's Day Gifts From Belk

 

This post is sponsored by Belk, These are my thoughts and opinions based on my experience.

A question I get often is “ What gifts would be best for a dad this Father’s Day?” , I get this one every year and it doesn’t get old because all dads are different. That may be different styles, interests, and lifestyles. I went in search of some great items to gift dads and found some great value items at Belk. The list I have for you today is made in consideration of those that shop online and in-store. So take a look and get your #BelkFathersDay shopping started.

There is a wide selection of items you can find here, which makes shopping for a dad a bit easier, and as a dad myself, I know we can be quite picky sometimes. So in this list I am focusing on items that are versatile for anyone. Like this outfit for everyday life or spending time outdoors with the family. Comfort is key and the Columbia PFG shorts keep you cool and allow for great flexibility. The polo from Ocean & Coast is light and breathable and comes in a wide variety of colors. And to finish off this comfortable outfit, the shoes from Adidas are great for running or everyday life. Find other items like these here: https://belk.mvk.co/22yew

Now for something a little more sophisticated or Summer ready, the selection from Crown & Ivy is great. You can find plain, striped, or colorful patterns to add to my dad’s wardrobe. This button-down shirt is light and the vertical stripes are great to give me the appearance of being taller and slimmer, which is great after gaining a few pounds through these times. The white shorts are a  great addition for summer outings or a day at the beach. I am a firm believer that every dad should have 2-3 signature aromas. The every day, one for going out, and a special occasion one. I went in search of a cologne that was versatile enough for most dads and found that the Sauvage by Dior fit the bill. It is soft, yet something about it draws you in and for that, I think everyone should consider this cologne for Father’s Day.

Having a list of ideas always helps and I hope you can find something for dad at Belk with some help from a dad’s insight. Clothing was on top of my list but there are also some other great items in the electronics department or grilling. Check them all out here : https://belk.mvk.co/22yew

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9:43 AM

Father’s Day 2021 Gift Guide

 

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. These are my thoughts and opinions based on my experience.

Let’s get right down to the big question. What to get for dad this Father’s Day? Well, I had that same question until I started brainstorming and came up with a few items found at your local Home Depot. We get to celebrate dad this coming June 20th, so go ahead, jot the date down and let’s take a look at some of my favorite items.

Father’s Day 2021 Gift Guide

I’ll be honest, finding a gift for dad can be difficult, at least it has been for me for as long as I can remember. Interestingly enough, there is a larger selection of great value products to be found which makes selecting a gift a bit more interesting. In case you didn’t know, there is a great selection of smart home products too! I upgraded our home with some great smart gadgets, you can find those here.

There is a great selection on grills to suit your needs and cooking style. I enjoy a good smoker but I don’t need it as often as I would have thought, so I went with the NexGrill Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner. This is perfect for those quick dinner cookouts or maintaining the heat for the family and friends get-togethers, all the while simultaneously boiling some tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños on the side burner for a fresh salsa, or maybe some chili. The great thing about this grill is that it is very easy to clean, which any person behind the grill can enjoy.

The RYOBI ONE+™ Drill and Impact Driver Combo can be found for a great deal of $99 right now. This is a great way to add some very needed essentials to anyone’s tool box. I use the drill for many small projects or small handy jobs around the home. For this price, you get two power tools, two 18V batteries, and a charger. This is a steal and a great value.

Coming in hot with another tool set, the Husky Mechanic’s Tool Set also comes in at a great deal of $99 for a whopping 230 pieces. For someone that needs essential tools on the go or simply starting to build their toolset, this is perfect. It comes with three different ratchets and a multitude of wrenches, sockets, and Allen wrenches. All in an easy-to-carry portable package.

Now, whether dad has a lot of tools or some handy basic tools, having a place to store them is essential in keeping things tidy and organized in the garage or workshop. I like the Husky Mobile Workbench for its sturdy build and great drawer space, the exact workbench I got is part of a bigger set, that comes with a hutch but  I was able to find it as a separate piece on the display floor. For these large items, you can ask a store associate to build it for you or simply do what I did, and buy it straight from the floor which has been pre-built for sale. This large mobile workbench transformed my garage. I was able to reclaim a lot of unused space and organize all my tools that were still in boxes from our last move. This is usually a centerpiece for a dad’s garage/workshop, go surprise them!

For most of my life, I have strived to be the best dad for my family and I thought of something a bit different and wanted to return the love to them. Starting our own herb and veggie garden was something I wanted to do for a very long time and we finally made it happen! Growing up I remember my dad going to the backyard to pick our some fresh cilantro,  jalapeños, or hot peppers right before a meal. Being able to produce some of our food right at home could be a great addition to our gardens. I went with the Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed so I wouldn’t have to worry much about the ground soil or bugs messing with our herbs. To power our growing herbs our soil of choice was the Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Soil Mix. Miracle-Gro also has other great organic soil options as well.

And that is my list for Father’s Day 2021! I hope this opens up the world of possibilities when you go shopping for dad and remember that you can always start by looking at what makes dad’s life easier and look at your options from there! Father’s Day is a great time to surprise dad with those items that he probably wouldn’t have bought himself or didn’t think anyone noticed that they needed. Give it your best shot! There is a lot more great value finds at The Home Depot, check out these other great deals happening right now!

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3:55 PM

TRX Home2 System | Versatile Training, Anytime, Anywhere

This post is sponsored by TRX®, but all opinions are my own.

The way we all live our lives and use our time is unique to each and every one of us. That is one reason why working out from home is the best option for many, especially parents. As a dad, I love to use my time efficiently, so I can get the most out of my day. That is why I am excited to partner with TRX® and challenge myself to keep up with my fitness goals. The TRX® HOME2 System is something new to me, but because of how easy they are to use and set up, I was able to get my workouts done in no time.

Now, even though I used to do intense workouts and calisthenics in my younger days—at least before my dad bod—it took a few tries to get comfortable and find the right angles of intensity. Anytime we try something new for the first time, it’s normal to be unsure, to build confidence and know-how over time. So how easy is it to install the TRX Suspension Trainer(™)? There are 3 easy steps to it. Set up your anchor on a door, (preferably opposite the direction of which way the door opens). You can also install an anchor, like the XMount to a wall or ceiling in the garage or studio. Once the anchor is in place, adjust it to the desired length for the exercise you want to perform, and you’re ready to work out. That’s it. It helps that the straps are very easy to adjust both up and down.

My fitness goals are now easier to achieve thanks to the TRX® HOME2 System. For example, I can work out in our home office before or right after work, saving me precious time. Another way I can use TRX® in the future is when we are traveling. It packs away nicely in a mesh bag, which I can easily carry and set up on a hotel room door or outdoors off on a tree. I really, really like that it’s portable because it matches well with our travel-filled, road-trip-filled lifestyle.

I once saw the TRX in a gym I used to go to, and now that I have them in my home, I wish I had gotten them sooner. To be honest, it would have saved me a lot of time and money. I am a big fan of calisthenics (I’m talking the intense gymnastic kind, not the jumping jack kind) which is working out with your own bodyweight and that’s essentially how TRX® works. It’s easy for me to try out old calisthenics workouts on the straps. And for days when I don’t want to think up my own workout, TRX® has this cool new training platform—TRX Training Club with LIVE classes and tons of On-Demand workouts.

I’ll be keeping my TRX® close to my office for now because it’s convenient, but for the days that I do cardio? I have the anchor set up in my garage. Check out my instagram to see some of my favorite moves—maybe you’ll be inspired to try this out in your own home! #TRXLetsMove

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5:05 PM

Better Living From Within with iwi

 

This post is sponsored by iwi, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

When I set my goals for the new year back in January, I promise, I had every intention of reaching them. But like everyone, I didn’t see results right away, so I kind of let them slide day by day. Since we just entered spring, I figured that this was the best time to start over!

One of my most important goals for the year is to improve my overall health and spend more time outdoors with my two girls. The key has been to add more vitamins and supplements to my daily routine! I’ve been using iwi Omega-3 and the cholesterol supplement, and it’s been my most important addition. I want to make sure my heart is healthy, build a stronger immune system, and make sure my bones and joints are in the best possible shape to run around and enjoy the amazing spring weather with my family. Being able to do this for years to come is what makes my overall health a top priority.

After learning that our bodies do not produce Omega-3s naturally, I decided that by taking iwi, my body can absorb a higher quality Omega-3 - 50% more absorption actually! I am also getting it straight from its natural source on the planet - algae! Research shows that Omega-3 supplements support overall health and well-being - from heart, brain, and vision, to bones and joints.

iwi Cholesterol provides the power of EPA-only Omega-3 derived from nannochloropsis microalgae. Their proprietary ingredient, Almega®PL, has been clinically shown to reduce total cholesterol by 25%, in particular VLDL, without decreasing good HDL Cholesterol, which is a unique benefit that no other Omega-3 source can claim. Keeping my cholesterol balanced is highly important to me, since it is something that I need to watch based on hereditary genes.

Not only do I feel good about what I am putting into my body, but I feel good about the product itself. iwi is sustainably farmed in the USA and powered by the sun. As a family, we have been conscious about the world we are leaving for our kids, and eventually, our grandkids. By farming the algae for iwi on land, they are protecting the ocean’s ecosystem. 97% of the water is reused with the remaining 3% being lost to evaporation.

Overall wellness takes effort and dedication, just like iwi is dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, while bringing the best products forward through innovative sciences. Being able to farm the richest source of Omega-3 in the desert is impressive, and knowing that they are also striving to move forward to reduce single-use plastic is awesome. Their refills come in a bag made with recycled materials. Getting more does not have to impact the environment and world around us. Join me on this journey and use code DADDYDIARIES30 at checkout to get 30% off your first order. Plus, if you subscribe, you will save an additional 20% on every order! Head on over to www.iwilife.com ! #iwilife #betterlivingbeginswithin