The Good Life Report - Summer Recipe & New Hobby Ideas
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."
- George S. Patton
Grilled Guacamole
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 4 seeded and chopped jalapenos (optional)
- ⅓ cup lime juice
- 3¼ Tbsp. of avocado oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cumin
- 5 avocados
- In a bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, and 1 Tbsp. of oil. Season with salt and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Turn on the grill and lightly brush the avocados (halved and pitted) with oil and lime juice. Season with salt and grill, cut-side down, until charred, about 2 minutes.
- Scoop the avocados out and coarsely mash with a fork.
Mix the Pico de Gallo that was chilling, 2 more Tbsp. of olive oil, and a pinch of cumin with the avocados. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Garnish with cilantro, some Pico de Gallo, and enjoy with chips!
Recipe adapted from FoodAndWine.com[1]
How Are Bonds Taxed?
Bonds are sometimes used as an investment vehicle, but as with any investment, there are tax considerations as well. The interest you receive from corporate bonds may be taxable, which means that those taxes impact a portion of your earnings. In addition, savings bonds and government-issued Treasury bonds may be exempt from state and local taxes, but they may be taxable on the federal level. On the other hand, municipal bonds may be tax-exempt on the federal level, but they may be taxed at the state and local level.
With this being said, it's always important to understand the tax implications of your investments. After all, it's not about what you make - it's about what you make after taxes!
* 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.gov[2]
3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Golf Ball
There have been countless advances in the science of crafting the perfect golf club, but golf balls have been getting a lot of love lately too. Today, you can find golf balls on the market that promise everything from a lower score to a better swing. But how do you find the perfect golf ball for you? Here are some tips:
- Assess your game and choose a ball accordingly. If you regularly come up 10 to 15 yards short, you might want a ball that's designed for additional distance. If you're hitting the greens, but the ball isn't sticking, look for a ball with more spin.
- Choose a ball based on your skill level. High-handicap players might need a ball for distance or control, while low-handicap players might want to focus on a ball that helps them improve their short game.
- Pick a ball with an appropriate construction type. Three-piece balls are designed for more backspin, while multilayer balls are targeted at reducing the effects of spin on the ball.
The golf ball world is always changing, so keep on the lookout for your new favorite ball!
Tip adapted from GolfWeek.com[3]
Slow Stitching: Your New Favorite Hobby
Many people have heard about the therapeutic benefits of knitting, crocheting, and even embroidering. But there's a new hobby in town: slow stitching!
Slow stitching, also known as slow sewing, consists of layering unique fabrics on top of a quilted piece, and then, hand-sewing them into a design. The beauty of slow sewing is in its simplicity. There is no right or wrong way to do it. As long as you're using a little creativity, you're sure to enjoy yourself.
Another beautiful thing about slow sewing is that it often uses reclaimed fabrics. You can use anything from old lace from a dress you were going to throw away to scraps of fabric from a tailor in your neighborhood. It's a great way to give these usually discarded scraps a new life!
Tip adapted from PetalPlum.com[4]
Start Your Own Little Free Library
Starting a free library in your community is a great way to reuse old books that you might normally toss out. Give your novels a second chance at life and pick up a new read for yourself with a little free library!
Setting up a little free library and saving countless books from the landfill is easy. Here are some tips:
- Identify a location that you can legally install a library. The best areas have a lot of foot traffic and are pretty visible.
- Buy or make your own library! The library should be a small box where people can put books. The books should be protected from the elements.
- Build support for your little free library! Contact local news outlets, tell friends and family members, or stand outside with your library to share the good news. You could even have a grand opening ceremony for your little free library!
Tip adapted from LittleFreeLibrary.org[5]
