Month: August 2014

Leave a comment Posted on August 30, 2014 Uncategorized

Dear Jack: My Son’s 1st Science Project

3 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

This week at school as the theme has been “The Future,” you and your friends were given an assignment: to create a future-themed science project.

I don’t ever see myself as the kind of dad who simply will do the work for you, attempting to lead fellow parents and teachers to believe that you actually did the work instead of me.

Instead, I want it to be your ideas and your handiwork; simply with my input as you ask for it.

However, I will admit, I did build the basic frame of your “tow truck,” but only for you to break it apart then rebuild it with festive lights and what constitutes as “a tow on the back.”

Each day this week when we came home from school, you ran straight over to your Legos and my job was to help you find “all the weird Legos” for your tow truck.

Your project was entitled “Parking Lot Of The Future.”

Apparently, in the future a robotic snake, an old man in a gown riding a robotic bird, and a low-rider fire truck will park next to a well-lit tow truck.

I just wanted you to have fun. The thought of winning never crossed my mind; though it definitely crossed yours. I’m not sure there was a winner, but I do know you came home with a Ninja Turtles activity pack and a “well done” award.

In fact, this week set a record for you: “Least Number Of Snacks Eaten In The Car.”

That’s because you were busy in the back seat modifying your tow truck, having me remove trick Lego pieces that you decided you didn’t like after all… in between us sitting at red lights.

So yeah, you were very proud this morning to see your work on display, alongside your friends’ projects.

It was never about winning. It was about the experience and the passion of creating something enjoyable.

I have really enjoyed being a part of your first science project.

Now that it’s over, though- you are very relieved: You finally got to take your Legos back home now.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on August 28, 2014 Uncategorized

New Infographic: Where We Donate Vs. Diseases That Kill Us

I can’t tell you in confidence that it’s socially accectable to be disinterested in participating in the phenomenon of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. But I am willing to admit, when something is that amazingly popular, I’m the guy who asks questions.

To be honest, I highly considered just quietly publishing this without promoting it on Facebook. I figured it might be a fairly dangerous thing for a guy like me to do… to express any doubts about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Yes, it does appear that most of your friends, as well as relevant celebrities, are all particating. It’s dominating your Facebook feed.

As for me, I’ve simply been a spectator. And until now, I’m given no personal opinion on the subject.

But for years now, I have publically questioned where all the money really goes and what good it’s really doing when it’s donated to breast cancer research.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one wondering this. They made a documentary called Pink Ribbons, Inc. that does a great job of asking and attempting to answer those same questions.

Could it be that we tend to donate more money to the causes that are killing us the least? Or that we’re donating money to the causes that have less of a global impact, but more of a regional one?

Could it be that perhaps the #1 disease in America is fairly preventable through proper exercise and diet? And if it wasn’t, shouldn’t we be donating the most money to that cause?

Let me direct your attention to an article by Julia Belluz, featuring on Vox: The Truth About The Ice Bucket Challenge: Viral Memes Shouldn’t Dictate Our Charitable Giving.

I highly recommend reading it. The article contains this eye-opening infographic, which I believe, clearly speaks for itself.

Sure, I’m sincerely happy for charities getting money donated to them. I wouldn’t want to get in the way. But I do think it’s important to see this infographic with an open mind. So here it is, for better or worse:

1 Comment Posted on August 26, 2014 food reviews, Uncategorized, vegan

GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia: Vegan Friendly Review/Why I Gave Up Caffeine

Last September, five months after becoming a vegan, I took it a step further and swore off caffeine as well. I have been caffeine-free for nearly a year now.

I had begun perceiving caffeine as nothing more than the sophisticated (and socially acceptable) version of nicotine. Of course, in retrospect, I see that is indeed the case:

Caffeine had been “waking me up and keeping me awake” simply because I was addicted to it. To me, it was circular reasoning; like with nicotine.

After dedicating a whole day to going cold turkey to give up caffeine and therefore suffering a debilitating headache that took me to the floor for a couple of hours, I have had no further withdrawals.

I admire Starbucks for their ability to capitalize on the world’s most legal and unregulated addictive substance and still make it seem classy. Their coffee contains at twice the amount of McDonalds’ coffee to give you an extra kick and to get you extra addicted; as you can see in the chart above, orginally posted in the article How Much Caffeine Is Really In Your Morning Coffee?

With that being said, I no longer participate in Starbucks’ expensive scheme.

Because I am no longer addicted to caffeine, nor do I need it to wake up in the morning.

So of course, being a vegan who doesn’t consume caffeine, I am asked from time to time what I drink in the morning when I wake up.

The short answer is Kombucha tea… when I can afford it.

The specific answer is GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia. It’s vegan, non-GMO, and organic.

I want to be clear that GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia is not endorsing this review. They did not send me a case of their drinks in hopes I would positively review their product.

Instead, I bought a case of GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia recently at Whole Foods. Usually, they cost around $3.50 per bottle, but at Whole Foods, when something is on sale, you get it for the sale price plus an addition 10% for buying the case, so I saved about $7, which is basically like getting 2 bottles free.

While at first glance GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia might sound like an expensive habit, compare it to the price of just one latte at any coffee shop.

However, I only drink half a bottle during the course of one day, so as long as I catch GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia on sale and buy it in bulk, I’m only looking at around 1.50 per day for my habit.

I don’t want to make it seem like Kombucha tea,GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia specifically, simply and perfectly replaces the effects on caffeine.

Instead, the way I want to word it is that it makes me feel ultimately balanced.

Whereas caffeine gives you a temporary bolt of awareness and energy that typically ends with a crash later on in the day, Kombucha regulates my mind and body to a good neutral level.

I like to start off each morning with half a bottle, when I can. Meanwhile, my wife likes to drink a little bit of it before she goes to bed.

There are other flavors, but grape is definitely the stand-out for me.

It’s sort of like the healthy version of Grape Kool-Aid, coffee, and even beer, combined.

Let me know what you think of GT’s Synergy Enlightened Kombucha Grape Chia after you try it… and thanks for reading!

2 Comments Posted on August 26, 2014August 26, 2014 food reviews, Uncategorized, vegan

Vegan Friendly Review Of Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe

Earlier this summer our family took an awesome road trip/family vacation while reviewing the 2014 Toyota Highlander, which we drove round trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.

While there in Squaw Valley, I kept a close watch on the “vegan friendliness factor” of the area; as I recently wrote a vegan friendly review of the city of Atlanta.

This review is for the growing minority of Americans who are living the plant-based life, or who are at least curious or open-minded about it, and may be travelling through Lake Tahoe; specifically, Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Olympics.

It was this trip that our family officially realized the greatness of cheese-less veggie pizza.

Right where we stayed, at The Village at Squaw Valley is Fireside Pizza Company, my favorite restaurant of the entire Lake Tahoe area.

We dined there at least 3 times during our stay. We were able to get vegan pizza; yes, the crust and sauce are vegan.

The food was delicious and fresh; and honestly, the prices were not bad at all.

Venturing out of Squaw Valley just a few miles towards Lake Tahoe is Stony Ridge Uncommon Kitchen, a healthy cafe style restaurant at the back of a holistic grocery store called New Moon Natural Foods; where we were able to stock up on goods.

We also happened upon a Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company, which serves vegan burgers; given that you don’t order the type of bun brushed in butter. I was happy!

Close to Stony Ridge Uncommon Kitchen is a grocery story called Save Mart Supermarkets, that in the likeness of Kroger, has a vegan-friendly section.

They even had my favorite Kombucha… on sale!

Between all those options, we had everything we needed.

I will say that we also dined at a Mexican place called El Toro Bravo, but they didn’t understand what “vegan” means.

Their “vegan burrito” (that I invented and ordered off menu) included cheese on the 1st go-around. They got it right the 2^nd time, though.

Also, I verified that their chips are fried in vegetable oil, not lard.

So yes, you can make the trip to Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe a plant-based one. Hopefully you have found my vegan friendly review to be helpful… or at leastly oddly entertaining!

Leave a comment Posted on August 24, 2014August 24, 2014 Nostalgia, parenting, Uncategorized

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Includes Secret Giveway For World Of Coca-Cola Tickets)

I assume that because I am from Alabama, a decent amount my readers are from there was well, and maybe more specifically, are also Crimson Tide fans. Therefore, I also assume there may be some readers who will be making the trip to Atlanta to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Mountaineers in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on August 30.

So, courtesy of the World of Coca-Cola, I am able to giveaway 4 tickets to World of Coca-Cola to readers traveling to Atlanta for the game. The tickets are good for a visit the attraction, so one lucky reader can take 3 friends or family members along. (Also, they are valid through the end of this year.)

Here’s what to do to try to win:

Be the first person to go to the Facebook page for Family Friendly Daddy Blog and ask, “Did I just win the World of Coca-Cola tickets for this weekend?”

If you truly are the 1st, I will personally respond to confirm that you are the sole winner of all 4 tickets. (Then I’ll follow up privately to confirm your mailng address to give to World of Coca-Cola to send the tickets.)

Update: It took 48 minutes… then this happened:

Charles Van Dyke

Today at 9:49pm

Did I just win the World of Coca Cola tickets for this weekend?

Like ·

Family Friendly Daddy Blog Yes sir, you did. In fact, you came in like a wrecking ball! You are the sole winner. Send me your mailing address and I’ll have Coca-Cola mail you the tickets in the morning!

Like · Reply · a few seconds ago

So it’s official, Charles Van Dyke is the winner! Thanks for reading and for playing, Charles.

Also, there are a lot of big events going on in Atlanta that weekend – specifically for the Kickoff Game, and otherwise – and you might be interested in checking out this list of the family-friendly things going on if you’re in town for the game. Included below is World of Coca-Cola‘s list of the top 6 things to do in Atlanta the weekend of August 30th, 2014.

6 Things to Do in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Presented By World Of Coca-Cola

1) Fan Days at the World of Coca-Cola are August 26 through September 2. Buy your tickets here and receive $3 off general admission to get a glimpse inside the world’s #1 brand and see what the fizz is all about.

2) As a football fan, how could you not visit the new College Football Hall of Fame? The attraction is going all out for its Grand Opening on August 23. Celebrate the rich history of the game and make memories of your own with historic and contemporary artifacts, interactive multimedia displays, children’s activities and more.

3) For some free fun, grab your fellow fans and hit up Tailgate Town on the West Plaza. How can you resist food sampling, games, giveaways and a BBQ cook-off?

4) If you want to take your tailgating up a notch, purchase tickets for the Bama Bash Team Tailgate at the Georgia World Congress Center. Yes, that’s an air-conditioned tailgate featuring pregame entertainment and a delicious buffet.

5) Refresh yourself with an ice-cold drink and cheer on your favorite team at its Pep Rally when you visit the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola Zero. Don’t miss out on the dozens of interactive games and sponsor attractions.

6) While walking down the Atlanta streets, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself in the middle of a science-fiction scene. That’s because Dragon Con is returning to Atlanta this Labor Day weekend. For some fantastical fun – and lots of Storm Troopers – check out the annual parade.

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