Happy Birthday Dad!

Gone but not forgotten, today would have been my father’s 69th birthday. It is crazy to think that it has now been 20 years without him. I still miss his stories and jokes. I always thought he was hilarious. Plus, I wish I would have gotten that BBQ sauce recipe from him. I guess that just gives me all the more reason to experiment and I am totally okay with that.

Mom and I were talking a while ago about how he would have loved the way technology has evolved over these last several years. With the way he made your radio shows back in the day, my dad would be all over the modern day podcast. I can only imagine the topics he would talk about, the jokes, and of course the music. I think with how computers work, we would be creating some off-the-wall content… But unfortunately, this is all after his time. So I am going to take the reigns and make sure I leave a legacy that would prove just how true the Williams family rocks! Happy Birthday Dad!

Tips For Creating The Ultimate Man Cave

Do you have a man cave in your home? If not, you really should. Having your very own space, you will have the freedom to express yourself, whether you want to unlock your inner child with games and play activities, or if you want to focus on the more serious side of you, with space to read, work, and contemplate the life, universe, and everything!

The first thing to consider is where to build your man cave. While often rooted in the garage or basement, you could also take over any other spare room not used by anybody else in your house. Whatever the case, it should be the room where you have full control over, filling it with the things you need to create your perfect ‘me space.’ Now, we have some ideas for what could go into your man cave, for those of you looking for inspiration, but if you choose to ignore us and do your thing, that’s okay. It is your space, after all.

Here are our ideas for what to include in the ultimate man cave.

Somewhere to sit. Whether it’s to read, watch tv, or to chill with any of the friends you invite over, you will need to have something to sit on. For you, it could be a recliner, something to relax on while you’re trying to unwind. For those other people you allow into your designated space, you may want to purchase a small couch or a few bean bags. Whatever the case, comfort is key, so consider the range of seating options available to you.

Something to watch. Rather than endure your partner’s cookery programmes or movie musical DVDs (forgive our general assumptions), you should have your very own tv. The bigger, the better, of course, as well as a fully-amped sound system or (and thinking of your family and neighbors), a set of wireless TV headphones to go with it. Sitting back in your recliner, you can watch whatever you want, from top tv series such as The Americans and Game of Thrones, to the big sporting events that occur every year.

Something to eat and drink. You don’t want to uproot yourself too often, so negate the need for those long trips to the kitchen. Instead, get yourself a mini fridge, topped up with everything you need to keep you replenished, and if you have the space, set up your own bar area too. Perfect for you, and perfect for any social engagements you hold in your man cave.

Something to play. If you’re a video gamer, you might want to invest in one of the latest games consoles, be that the Xbox One X or the PlayStation Pro, giving you the ability to play some of the newest games available. Alternatively, you might prefer something retro. Choose from one of the video game consoles of times past, from the NES to the much-underrated Sega Dreamcast, or set up an arcade cabinet in the corner of the room. Of course, you may not be into video games at all, so board games may be your thing, or sports equipment, such as a pool table or darts board may be your preferred option. And also… Think about your decor; including the colours you like, and the posters you may want to jazz up your walls. Consider personal items that will make you feel like it’s your space, such as collectibles or awards and accreditations you may have won. Choose as much or as little as you want for your space. It’s your man cave, and you can do with it as you please.  And if we have missed something out that you would consider essential, be sure to let us know!

Common Dad Injuries You Need To Know About

All new parents wake up on day one of parenthood with an overly obsessive fear of everything. That’s how worried we are about something happening to our precious little bundles of muscle. And rightly so. But as your baby grows into a toddler and beyond, the threat of life and injury becomes less directed at them and more aimed at dad.

Nothing can prepare you for the relentless onslaught of injury that comes with the dadhood territory. The physical toll it takes on our bodies doesn’t get talked about enough, which is worrying because being a dad should come with a safety warning. A bright yellow and black sticker or something.

That’s sort of what we’re hoping to do. We’re going to share some of the most common dad injuries in the hope you’ll be able to dodge, dip, dive, duck and dodge them as best as possible. Good luck out there.

  1. The Broken Bicep

Babies may be small in stature but they weigh more than a cartoon anvil, which means your attempts to selflessly rock your baby to sleep in order to win the right to watch have a beer later on in the week with the boys come at the cost of not being able to lift a beer. Such is the pain of holding a baby in a static arm-curl position for forty-five minutes as they pull on your nose hair and scratch your face out of tired frustration. Forget gyms, this is the real test of muscular endurance.

  1. Bad Back Baby Throws

Whether you want to make your baby laugh on demand or you want to stop them from crying, the go-to dad move is throwing them in the air (and catching them, obviously). It’s the heroic move we dads endure so that no one has to put up with the sound of a screaming banshee. The reason we call it heroic is simple: it’s one tough move for your body to make. Plyometrics we think it’s called, and it will have you calling the MyHealth Care Centre three times a week in the hope of getting a chiropractic appointment. If you’re in great shape, then good for you. But given you’re a dad, chances are you’re not and that’s when this sucker will take you by surprise. Basically, avoid doing it.

  1. Crick Neck Toddler Carry

How many adorable pictures of dads carrying their toddlers on their shoulders have you liked on Instagram since you signed up? That’s because it is adorable. It’s the signature dad move. And for the first minute and a half, it’s one of the most amazing bonds a dad and his child can have. But then the strain and burn comes in and you start to think, “what have I done?” The problem is, once your kid is up there, they are up there for a half-hour, which is problematic because, in order for them to get comfy, we have to push our necks forward for them to have a comfy seat. It’s the vulture pose and it is agony, the kind that will leave you watching Netflix for the rest of summer. The point is: baby carriers were probably invented by a dad and probably invented because of this move. Buy yourself one.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

Top Gifts for Dads, Uncles and Gramps

Sometimes dads, uncles, and gramps get the raw end of the stick when it comes to getting cool gifts. Often ending up with socks (although, everyone needs socks right?) or the same check shirt as last year. Here is a list of goodies that might land you in the good books.

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So, this year put the sock back on the shelf and hit the internet for some excellent purchases.

First up, how about a beer caddy with a bottle opener? Ideal for the outdoorsy men who like to cook up a storm at a BBQ, or sit and fish on the weekends. Either way, for around 45 dollars you can buy a handcrafted beer caddy and give the gift of 6 bottled beers available anywhere.

Sports tickets. If you know the man in your life is a huge sports fan, then imagine the absolute joy of getting a pair of Dodgers tickets (or better yet, go see the Cardinals). Or of course, your choice of sports team and sport!

Have a music mogul man hanging around? Someone who talks about their classic vinyl collection? Then maybe getting a turntable would blow them away. You might not want to hear some of the golden oldies that start playing, but there is no denying great music can make anyone’s day better.

Avid cooks are ideal people to buy gifts for. Because everyone can benefit from those kitchen toys! Think about some of the following items:

  • Keyboard Waffle Iron
  • Pancake Maker
  • Slushie Makers
  • Mini Cupcake Maker
  • Waffle Bowl Maker
  • Breakfast Master
  • Hotdog Toaster
  • Bacon Express

Super cool gadgets with a lot of appeal for everyone in the house. If none of those are what you’re looking for, why not consider a new BBQ. Either way, with anything on this list you’re bound to get something delicious!

Ballpark Blueprints. Huge baseball fan? Why not get them a piece of art they’ll genuinely enjoy having around?

Personalizing a family photo album filled with photos as far back as you can find are always such lovely things to receive.

What about, indulging them in an incredibly aged whiskey or other drink of choice. You can often find online stores that will personalize the bottles for you too. Giving it an extra special touch.

If you have a bit of a joker in your midst, then funny gifts like sound effects machines, whoopie cushions, and inflatable sumo suits work a treat and entertaining the whole family.

Model kits are a very cool and enjoyable gift to give to someone. The hobby kits come in different levels and sizes, so you can pick something that would be ideal. A few companies to check out are Revell, Airfix, Tamiya, and Zvezda. But, you can find more online. They come in many different forms so you can pick something they’ll love.

One more great gift to think about is, are any of their favorite bands or musicians touring? Grab tickets, and you’re sorted!

So there you have it, a few gift ideas that might save your bacon when it comes to birthdays, fathers day and the holiday season.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.