Dadvice Weekly #12 / Establishing a Cut Line
Dadvice Weekly - #12
I’ve been out of college for over nine years. That’s wild to say out loud. What’s even wilder? Some of the clothes in my closet have been with me that entire time. I recently had a Facebook memory from 8 years ago where I was in Napa wearing a shirt I can remember buying from J. Crew. I looked down and realized I was wearing that same shirt. I can still remember buying it in Dallas. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but I still have it amongst other clothes I have accumulated since. And yet, here they are, still hanging in my closet like they’re new. But they’re nine years old.
Nothing is inherently wrong with 9 year old clothes, but I keep buying more.
Lately, I’ve been convicted by how much I hold onto. In my actual closet I have clothes I don’t even like. I have dress pants from when I worked in Dallas. Its crazy I have all of them because I now work remotely. Even when I go into the office, I don’t need them because I have newer pants. So why are they still here?
Well, I did something crazy: I donated them.
Here’s my system: I have two racks. The bottom rack is for all my available shirts. The top rack is where shirts go after I wear them. Over time, I’ve started to notice a pattern. If I keep reaching for the top rack instead of the bottom, that’s my cut line. If a shirt on the bottom rack never gets picked, it’s probably time to let it go.
Is this a weird way to start a newsletter? Maybe. But I bet you have your own version of this. Maybe it’s a drawer full of old tech cables, or a garage shelf of “just in case” tools. Maybe it’s clothes that are over a decade old that you just can’t part with.
Let this be your sign to tackle those messy collections. What’s your cut line? -SW
The YouTube Ask Button - Gemini
YouTube added an “Ask” button on some videos that uses Google Gemini to answer questions about what you’re watching. Tap it (or hold the power button on Android in the YT app) and ask whatever. It scans the transcript and answers without pausing the video. I used it on Bobby Petrino’s press conference after Arkansas lost to A&M on Saturday. Was curious about his poor clock management in the last minute and wanted to know if he had rationale to justify it (he didn’t).
Also great for checking ingredients in recipes or clarifying steps or concepts you missed. It’s not on every video, but when it shows up it’s genuinely useful for following tutorials or understanding concepts without rewinding. -KC
Cheese Grater KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment
Is it just me, or does shredded cheese have no flavor anymore? We started using this KitchenAid shredding attachment to shred our own. Every couple weeks we buy quality cheese, cut them into blocks, and let the mixer do the work of shredding. It takes about ten minutes total, is cost effective, and the flavor difference is noticeable. The attachment comes with three stainless steel cones for fine, medium, and coarse shredding, so you can go fine for tacos or thicker for salads. It slices veggies too! Fits all KitchenAid stand mixers and beats using a box grater. A simple, inexpensive upgrade that pays in quality cheese. -KC
Movie Rec: Identity (2003)
If you’re like me and enjoy digging into older, under-the-radar films after the baby’s bedtime, Identity is a perfect pick for a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday night when football takes a breather.
I had never heard of this movie until a friend at work recommended it. It’s a tight, suspenseful thriller with a clever plot and a jaw-dropping ending that had me diving into YouTube “ending explained” videos afterward. I don’t want to share too much more of the plot but some YouTubers even said its one of the best forgotten thrillers.
Why it’s Dadvice-approved:
Short and sweet: Just 90 minutes and easy to fit in after bedtime.
Engaging plot: Keeps you guessing.
Streaming options: Ad-free on Netflix, or free with ads on Pluto TV.
So if you’ve got a quiet evening and want something gripping that doesn’t require a huge time investment, give Identity a shot. And if you do watch it, let me know what you think. -SW
Just for Dad: Dadvice Sprinkler Blowout Guide
If you live in Colorado you’ve seen the signs (literally). Sprinkler blowout ads are popping up on every corner, and while our first sub-32° night isn’t on the 10-day radar, we’re already dipping into the 30s. That means it’s time to start thinking about protecting your irrigation system before winter hits.
Kyle and I are working on practical guides for Dadvice subscribers, and we’re starting with one that could save you money and give you that satisfying DIY win: How to Blow Out Your Sprinklers.
This guide is built from my own experience learning to do it myself. It’s packed with:
Tips and lessons learned
Linked videos tailored to your setup
Step-by-step written instructions
If you’ve always paid someone to handle this for you, I encourage you to give this a read. It’s more approachable than you think, and this guide is designed to be your go-to resource for years to come. -SW
Dadvice Weekly is Kyle and Skyler—two friends in their thirties, living in Colorado, settling into fatherhood and trying to stay sane. Every Tuesday we share what’s working in our homes: gear we use, routines we’ve tested, ideas we’re trying. It could be a recipe, a product that solved a problem, or just what we’re thinking about as dads.
If you have a tip, tried something we mentioned, or just want to say hi, reply to this email or message us on Substack. We read everything, and we’re always looking for what works. Glad you’re here.