A side project · Live Blended
Why a woodshop is selling t-shirts.
Short version: I'm a stepdad. Eighteen years ago I made up a word — Stad — to give my role a name. It worked. Live Blended is what grew out of that.
The story
How Stad got its name.
I was a stepdad struggling with my place in my new step-relationship with my new stepson. He also struggled with who this strange guy was in his house.
One day I was in a situation where I needed to discipline him and he called me by my first name. I felt powerless. It was that moment I knew I had to define the relationship for both of us.
After rattling off all the formal names — sir, Mr. Flora, etc. — we landed on “Stad.” A mashup of step and dad that still sounds and feels respectful.
Now my stepson has a better understanding of who I am, I feel like I’m a part of the family, and his biological dad knows I’m not trying to take his place. It turned out to be killing three birds with one stone — and it continues to work for us today, eighteen years later.
— Dino Flora, Encore Woodworx & Live Blended
Step-Parent Nation
95M
adults in the U.S. are in step-relationships. A blended home contains one adult who isn't the biological parent.
Stad
A mashup of step + dad. Respectful, distinct, recognizes the role without erasing the biological dad.
Stom
Same idea — step + mom. A name for the relationship that doesn't demand replacement.
Why a name matters
A small word, a big shift.
Recognition
A specific term gives clarity to a role that's real but unnamed. It acknowledges the daily contributions a stepdad or stepmom actually makes.
Less stigma
Naming the role helps reduce the negative stereotypes that hover around “step-anything.” It promotes a more positive, inclusive family dynamic.
Easier conversations
When everyone — bio dad, stepdad, kid, grandparents — has the same vocabulary, the conversations get clearer and the relationships get stronger.
Back to the shop
And that’s why there are tees in our wood shop.
The Stad-isfaction, Stadmuffin, and Stad-ly designs all started here. Wear one if it fits your story — they’re Father’s Day gifts that hit a little harder than a tie.
Stepdad Stadmuffin Tee - Funny Father's Day Gift by FloraBroFurnishings
$17.65
Fathers Day Gift StepDad Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt Step Dad Stad-isfaction by FloraBroFurnishings
$17.65
Fathers Day Gift StepDad Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt Step Dad Stad-isfaction by FloraBroFurnishings
$22.77
Fathers Day Gift StepDad Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt Step Dad Stad-ly by FloraBroFurnishings
$14.58
The mission
Give every Stad and Stom the tools — and recognition — they’ve earned.
Live Blended is the home for that work. It’s where step parents can talk about the successes and the failures, share what works, and figure this out together.
If you’re a Stad or a Stom, or you love one — come hang out. The site, the merch, and the conversation are all over there.