Good Life Report - Timely Pumpkin Pie Recipe + Helpful Golf & Tax Related Tips
"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need."
- Vernon Howard
Pumpkin Pie
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust, homemade or premade
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp. ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1 ¼ cups evaporated milk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Roll out the dough to 12-inch diameter.
- Place dough gently, into a 9-inch pie plate, trim extra dough, and flute edges.
- Line pie dough with parchment paper or foil, covering the bottom, and fill with something like dried beans or rice to weigh it down.
- Bake pie crust at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and take out covering and pie weights.
- Return pie crust to the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Whisk together the brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and evaporated milk until well combined. Pour egg and pumpkin mixture into sugar and spices, mix well.
- Pour the pie filling into the partially baked pie crust.
- Return to oven and bake at 400°F for 45-50 minutes, or until almost set.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool, 2-3 hours. completely.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
Recipe adapted from Live Well Bake Often[9]
Know the signs of an IRS Phone Scam
- Generally, the IRS will first try to reach you by mail if you owe money. If you haven't received any previous notice, the call might be fraudulent.
- The IRS will never ask about personal information over the phone, such as your Social Security Number.
- The IRS will also never request immediate payment using specific payment methods such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- The IRS won't demand that these taxes be paid without giving you the opportunity to ask questions about the amount owed.
- The IRS won't threaten to immediately bring in law enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS[10]
Examine Your Spine Angles at Address
Your posture is one of the most important parts of your golf swing. Included in your posture is your spine angle at address and here, we share some tips on how to achieve the perfect angle to maximize your rotation.
Every golfer's swing is going to be a little different depending on your unique body type and flexibility, but generally you should have a slight arch at your pelvis to create a straight spine. Many golfers hunch their shoulders into more of a "C" posture or are too extended, which can cause issues with your rotation. Instead, focus on a straight line going from your hips through your back and shoulders.
A simple drill to test whether or not you have the correct spine angle is to put a golf club along your spine and see if you can easily fit your hand between the club and your back. It should be a snug fit. If there's too much space or two little space, your spine angle might be off.
Tip adapted from Golf Distillery[11]
The Mental and Physical Benefits of Walking
We all know the many potential benefits of exercise, but did you know that sometimes the simplest exercises are some of the most beneficial? Walking might seem like such a simple thing to do, but there are many potential health benefits to this form of exercise.
First off, walking has a very low barrier of entry and may be a good choice for people of all fitness levels! You don't need any fancy equipment or skill level. Just grab your favorite pair of shoes and hit the road!
Secondly, walking may benefit both your mental and physical health. You burn active calories while walking, which can help with weight management, cardio health, and energy levels. But walking may also be a meditative escape for many people. It offers the chance to disconnect and focus on the moment. Walking for the sake of walking is one of the only exercises that doesn't have an end goal, meaning that you can focus on just putting one foot in front of the other. Some people might enjoy listening to music or podcasts while they walk, but also consider just listening to the sounds around you. With so much screen time in our daily lives, it's nice to disconnect for even just a short walk.
Tip adapted from Healthline[12]
The Art of Thrifting
Thrift store shopping is not only fun (think: treasure hunting), but it's a great way to recycle clothing, housewares, and other items. True, there can be a lot of clutter to sort through, but with a few pro-tips, you'll be thrifting with the best of them.
Upcycle. You might just find that perfect denim jacket or pair of jeans to embroider, bedazzle, or alter, creating an entirely new look. Furniture can be transformed and upcycled to make into functional (and stylish) decor. Pinterest is a great resource for upcycling ideas.
Location, location, location. You may be tempted to go to more upscale neighborhoods, but you never know where you'll score great stuff, so try varying where you scout.
When you thrift makes a difference. Skip Halloween and back-to-school time. The stores are usually picked over.
Know when to fold 'em. Say no to sweat-stained and odor-laden clothing, and definitely, say no to moth holes. A bit of sewing, or even, springing for new soles on a pair of amazing shoes, is doable - and worth it.
