The Good Life Report - A Perfect Summer Recipe + Health & Tax Tips
Sesame Soba Salad
* makes 2 to 4 servings
Ingredients for the dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- Tamari
- ½ tsp. toasted sesame oil (more for drizzling)
- 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
- 1 tsp. pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
Ingredients for the soba noodles:
- 6 oz. of soba noodles
- 1 sliced avocado
- A squeeze of lemon
- 2 cups of sugar snap peas
- ½ cup edamame (without the shell)
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Fresh mint
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- To make the dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the soba noodles, according to package directions. Drain, then rinse in cold water.
- Divide the soba noodles into individual servings and top with lemon juice, avocado, snap peas, edamame, radish, mint, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with more sesame oil if preferred.
Recipe adapted from LoveAndLemons.com[1]
Working from Home and Expecting Some Tax Deductions? Not so Fast
With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way nearly everyone works in 2020, many people have found themselves working from home. While it is true that some home office expenses can be tax deductible, there's a specific distinction that taxpayers should be aware of.As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, for the tax years 2018-2025, you may not be able to deduct home office expenses if you are an employee. This is different than working from home and being self-employed or an independent contractor. These types of workers may still be able to write off some of their home office expenses.
* 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 Forbes.com[2]
Practice for Feel First
Many golfers get ready for their game by heading straight to the driving range to hit as many hard drives as possible. Practicing with your smaller clubs will help you establish a proper feel before moving on to the longer ones.
Tip adapted from Practical-Golf.com[3]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a ubiquitous nutrient, and many of us believe we know pretty much everything about it. We get it from citrus fruits. Some of us reach for some over-the-counter supplements if we think we're getting sick. All this is fairly universal. So, how much more is there?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, ascorbic is a water-soluble vitamin, and excessive quantities are not stored in the body. Adequate daily intake of vitamin C, preferably through food over supplements, helps maintain our immune health, prevent cellular damage, create collagen, and absorb dietary iron. Some individuals, like smokers, have greater needs for higher daily vitamin C intakes, but for others, this may not be advised. It's always wise to talk to your doctor before adding supplements or changing your dietary regimen.
Tip adapted from MyFoodDiary.com[4]
Mind Your Own Beeswax
Bees are the superheroes of the insect world. They are responsible for pollinating 85% of all human crops and many crops fed to cattle. They also produce superfoods, like honey and pollen, and are single-handedly preventing an environmental collapse.
In addition to all that, bees also produce beeswax, which can be made into products that help decrease single-use plastic. You can buy beeswax food wraps and beeswax bags that reduce the need for cling wrap and plastic bags, respectively. Combine those with glass meal prep containers, and you might never need to use single-use plastic in the kitchen again!
Tip adapted from BeesWrap.com[5]
[1] LoveAndLemons.com, June 26, 2020
[2] Forbes.com, March 23, 2020
[3] Practical-Golf.com, June 26, 2020
[4] MyFoodDiary.com, June 26, 2020
[5] BeesWrap.com, June 26, 2020
