Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links.

Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

April 15, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

If you love chopped, crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies and a wonderful dressing, this Asian Kale Salad is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites. You can have it ready in a short time. Just add your favorite toppings and you’ve got a great healthy meal that is satisfying, flavorful and delicious!

Why We Love Kale

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world. This superfood is low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with an assortment of minerals and phytonutrients. Among the many health benefits it provides are detoxification, heart support and cancer prevention.

How To Give Kale A Softer Texture

Although many people love the crunchy toughness of raw kale, many others prefer their kale to be softened before eating. This can easily be accomplished by “massaging” the kale with a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt. The key is to rub the leaves with your fingers right up to the point where they begin to wilt. Not only will this process tenderize the kale, but it will also reduce the bitter taste of the leaves.

In addition to what the recipe calls for, you can also top your asian kale salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or any of your other favorite toppings.

Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

If you love chopped crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies, and a wonderful dressing, this is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites.

Course Salad

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

1/2 head green cabbage chopped and washed
1/2 head red cabbage chopped and washed
1 bunch kale chopped and washed
3 carrots peeled and chopped
1 bunch romaine lettuce chopped and washed
1 bunch Italian parsley chopped fine and washed (stems removed)
1 bunch green onions cleaned, trimmed and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes washed and cut in half
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and chop all the vegetables, then dry on kitchen towels to ensure that water has been removed.
Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl, then place bowl in refrigerator.
In a blender, add the coconut milk, almond butter, lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Blend until thoroughly mixed.
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

OPTIONAL: You can also top the salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or your favorite toppings.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Memes

April 7, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Memes

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

April 7, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

These savory Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make delicious main courses or appetizers.

What are Zucchini Boats?

Zucchini Boats are created by slicing a zucchini in half lengthwise and hollowing it out with a spoon. This essentially creates a “boat” for you to fill up the zucchini with your favorite ingredients.

I have found that zucchini is a perfect vessel for stuffing any kind of cheese, meats, or dips into. I regularly choose it over chips, breads, and crackers because it’s a much healthier alternative.

How do you make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

Once you’ve made your “boat”, then combine chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese in a stand mixer.

Next, spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.

Now it’s time to bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the cheese is melted and the zucchini tender.

How do you make the Blue Cheese Sauce?

In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and the heavy whipping cream until thick. For the next step, slowly add milk until a desired consistency is reached. Now you are ready to serve your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These savory and tangy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make a delicious meal or appetizer.

Course Main Course

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

3 zucchini
1-2 lbs cooked chicken breast shredded
8 oz package cream cheese softened
2 tbsp ranch seasoning
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce your favorite
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Blue Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle of the vegetable with a spoon leaving about 1/2 inch along the outside creating a “boat.” NOTE: If you prefer the zucchini to be soft when serving, bake the zucchini boat for 5 to 10 minutes prior to stuffing.
In a stand mixer, combine the chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and zucchini is tender.

Blue Cheese Sauce

In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and heavy whipping cream until thick. Slowly add the milk until the desired consistency is reached. Serve with zucchini boats.

We hope you get the chance to try this easy and delicious recipe. It sure is a great way to use up all those garden zucchinis. If you are looking for a low carb, high protein dinner option, then this is certainly the right meal for you! In the meantime, please check out some of our other recipes.

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Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Olive Garden Copycat Fonduta

White Bean and Farro Salad

April 6, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, my new favorite grain! It’s a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. It has more protein and fiber than wheat and is especially rich in magnesium and B vitamins. I love it so much that I have been using it as a replacement over rice and pasta.

This quick and easy salad recipe has only six ingredients. The ease of preparation is sure to make your hectic day a little less stressful.

You will want to follow the instructions that come with the specific Farro you purchase. Most directions will say to add Farro and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Then you will want to reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer anywhere from 25-40 minutes. The Farro should be tender and all of the liquid should be absorbed.

Although it’s not necessary, you can speed up the cooking time of Farro by soaking it beforehand. Simply add enough cold water to submerge the grain completely, put a lid on it, and then refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

Four pantry ingredients is all it takes to make the easiest Red Wine Vinaigrette ever. This classic vinaigrette recipe is super versatile, only takes a few minutes to whisk together, and always tastes delicious! To save time, I prepare it while the Farro is cooking.

Now it’s time to add the Farro, white beans, kale, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and pepitas in a large mixing bowl.

Toss until mixed, pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss again and then enjoy this fantastic White Bean and Farro Salad!

White Bean and Farro Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor.

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad

1 cup uncooked Farro
1 can white beans drained and rinsed
1 cup kale torn small by hand
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas
4 ounces feta crumbled

Dressing

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Prepare 1 cup Farro as directed in the package.
While Farro is cooking, prepare dressing.
Add all dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined and refrigerate.
When Farro is done, rinse with cold water until cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add Farro, beans, kale, feta*, cranberries, and pepitas.
Toss until mixed.
Pour dressing over salad, toss again and serve.

Recipe Notes

*If making the night before, leave out feta until right before serving.

You may also want to check out some of our other delicious recipes:

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

The Very Best Soup Recipes

Easy Gluten Free Brownie Cookies

March 29, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Gluten Free Brownie Cookies are deliciously fudgy and so easy to make. The inside is soft and chewy like a brownie while the outside has the texture of a cookie. You truly get the best of both worlds!

Using a brownie mix makes this recipe fast and easy to prepare. You can literally mix all the ingredients together in one large bowl. We used the 15.5 oz Pillsbury Gluten Free Brownie mix in our recipe.

About 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, for which the only effective treatment is committing to a life-long gluten free diet. However, a growing number of people without celiac disease are claiming to have a gluten sensitivity. Many claim that their gastrointestinal health has improved after cutting out all gluten from their diet. Do you know someone who has benefited from a gluten free diet?

Gluten Free Brownie Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

1 box gluten free brownie mix 15.5 oz
1/4 cup melted butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp coffee
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Mix the brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, coffee, chocolate chips, and toffee bits together in a large bowl.
Scoop a tablespoon of batter onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread cookies at least two inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Cookies should be firm on the edges and soft in the center.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before moving them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

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Children With Autism Locked In Dark Bathroom And Punished With Loud Whistles By Florida Teachers

March 29, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

County police arrested three faculty members at a special needs day school on a first-degree felony charge because of abuse towards three children with autism. They are accused of using scare tactics on the children as a form of discipline.

The Silver Sands School is located in Fort Walton Beach, an hour away from Pensacola on the Florida panhandle. Sheriff Larry Ashley identified the teacher as Margaret Wolthers and the aides as Carolyn Madison and Diana LaCroix. Wolthers is the wife of a deputy in the police department.

Wolthers, Madison, and LaCroix punished the students by blowing a whistle in their ears and locking them in a dark bathroom for up to 90 minutes. Two of the children were 8 years old and one child was 10 years old.

A third aide refused to stand by and watch these children get tortured as punishment anymore. The unidentified female reported the incident to a school police officer. An investigation came afterward and school superintendent Marcus Chambers placed the three on administrative leave. The findings of the investigation eventually led to their arrest.

A witness stated that the children would “scream and cry” when placed in the dark bathroom. If the student turned on the bathroom light or tried to leave, the faculty made them stay there even longer. Meanwhile, a male student wore headphones due to noise sensitivity. The three women held his arms down on purpose so he couldn’t cover his ears when they blew the whistle.

The incident occurred between September 1 and November 14 of 2018. However, police believe the incident lasted much longer than the given period. The alleged abusers, if convicted, could face up to 30 years in prison. In the meantime, investigators are actively searching for more victims.

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Scientists Develop Arthritis Vaccine That Blocks Pain

March 28, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Arthritis causes severe joint pain, and this pain is often managed with prescription medications. While painkillers may be effective in the short-term, their long-term use can be detrimental to your health. Luckily, scientists have discovered a new arthritis vaccine that could potentially eliminate the need for pain medications and dependence on them for arthritis patients.

Arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders, and it becomes increasingly common with age. This condition can be a result of chronic wear and tear, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, or infection. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage on the ends of the long bones wears down. This cartilage degeneration leads to joint stiffness, pain with movement, and bone deformities. It is most common in the knees, hips, hands, back, and neck.

Pain medications are often prescribed to control this pain, but long-term use can lead to increased sensitivity to pain, addiction, higher risk of depression, and more. In addition, painkillers can decrease immune function and increase the risk of infection and developing other diseases.

The main cause of osteoarthritic pain has been found to be nerve growth factor (NGF), which is produced by the immune system. Scientists have discovered an arthritis vaccine that can cause the body to produce antibodies against this growth factor, causing NGF to become neutralized and eliminating pain entirely.

There is still more research that needs to be done to prove the effectiveness of this vaccine in humans before it is widely released and available to the public. However, it shows a lot of potential for alleviating the pain associated with arthritis. Along with preventing pain, this vaccine can also eliminate pain medication dependence and serve as a much more cost-effective solution for this problem.

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

March 23, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

When Spring arrives so do those pesky mosquitoes. Instead of using harsh chemicals on the annoying blood-suckers, consider a more natural approach using these fragrant mosquito repellent plants.

MARIGOLDS (Tagetes sp.)

Marigold plants provide showy garden colors. They contain a compound called pyrethrin that is very effective in keeping mosquitoes away. In fact, this substance works so well that it is used in many natural insecticides. In addition to mosquitoes, marigolds are also useful in repelling other insects such as aphids, tomato worms and squash bugs.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Not only will Rosemary make your food taste delicious and your garden look amazing, but its woody aroma is wonderful at keeping small mosquito infestations away. The live plant, cuttings from the plant and its essential oil are all effective at repelling mosquitoes. It thrives in containers but can also be pruned into many shapes and sizes to make creative borders and decorations in a garden bed. In addition to Rosemary’s ability to get rid of the skeeters, a unique lesser-known trait of this medicinal herb is its ability to help improve memory.

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citrates)

Lemongrass contains citronella, which has long been used in natural insect repellents. Since it makes a good container plant, it is often planted in pots around porches or near home entrances to keep mosquitoes away. In addition to pest control, Lemongrass has a myriad of useful benefits that include calming nerves, promoting restful sleep, and maintaining digestive health.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)

A research group from Iowa State University studied the essential oil in catnip, which is called nepetalactone. They found it to be ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Catnip plants can grow very tall, so be sure to plant them in an area where it won’t block any desired views.

LEMON THYME (Thymus vulgaris)

This hardy herb repels mosquitoes when its essential oil is released by crushing or bruising its fragrant foliage. The oil must then be rubbed onto exposed areas of bare skin to be effective. Lemon thyme is an excellent plant with a pleasant lemony fragrance and a creeping habit that make it perfect for hanging baskets. It can also be planted along a path or patio to form a ground cover.

BASIL (Ocimum americanum)

Basil’s strong fragrance makes it one of the most effective mosquito repellent plants. Mosquitoes detest all basil varieties. However, lemon basil, Peruvian basil and cinnamon basil seem to work best because they have the strongest aromas. A 2009 study concluded that an essential oil from basil is toxic to mosquito larvae. Therefore, it may be a good idea to plant it near water sources to control the amount of eggs being laid.

LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia)

Not only are the purple flowers beautiful to look at, but the smell is known to repel mosquitoes and other pests. The lavender plant’s strong aroma comes from the essential oil in its leaves. Experts speculate that the potent scent masks the mosquito’s sense of smell, preventing it from detecting the carbon dioxide that humans emit.

Another benefit of growing this wonderful plant is being able to make Lavender Lemonade. It’s delicious, refreshing AND good for you!

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal. This compound has similar properties to citronella, including the ability to repel mosquitoes. It has a lemony scent and flavor that are undesirable to mosquitoes and other pests. It it best grown in containers since it can be a very invasive plant.

GARLIC (Allium sativum)

Garlic has more uses than scaring off vampires and adding flavor to Italian dishes. It can also keep mosquitoes from hanging around your house. Just add some garlic to your flower bed or vegetable garden to increase the likelihood that they’ll find a home elsewhere and leave yours alone.

We wish you much success in using these mosquito repellent plants for a fun-filled and bite-free summer!

50+ Amazing Outdoor Living Ideas

Kids Bowl Free and Skate Free All Summer Long (Sign Up Now)

March 13, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

If parents are having trouble finding something for their children to do this summer, sign up for Kids Bowl Free and Kids Skate Free. Children can spend their summer days skating and bowling. It’s a fantastic way to spend time as a family while keeping kids active. Sign me up!

Both Kids Bowl Free and Kids Skate Free are nationwide programs categorized into participating skating and bowling centers. Find the location nearest you and apply in person or online.

Kids Skate Free

Roller skating rinks across the country are participating in Kids Skate Free. Your child not only learns a new skill, but the child will be healthy, enthusiastic, and less stressed while improving balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility.

The newest program offers two skate free passes per child every day this summer. To be a part of this wonderful opportunity, sign up on the Kids Skate Free website. The free passes will arrive via email every Sunday. Hours, limitations, and roller skate rentals vary by location.

Kids Bowl Free

Over 1,500 bowling centers across America and Canada are participating in Kids Bowl Free. The oldest of the two programs, it offers the kids program and a family pass. Bowling center hours, bowling shoe rentals, and limitations vary by location.

Parents who sign their children up will get coupons for two free bowling games by email or phone every day during the summer months. That’s a $500 value per child absolutely free. Eligible children must be 15 and under.

Parents who sign up for the Family Pass will receive two free bowling games every day this summer for up to four adults. It’s a smart way for older children and parents to bowl alongside the children. Eligible adults must be 16 and older.

However, the Family pass is a one-time fee of $29.95. There are Kids Bowl Free coupon codes available, so find those coupon codes and save around 10% off.

Krispy Kreme Giving Away FREE Doughnuts with “Golden Dozen Pass”

Police Search Stage 4 Cancer Patient’s Hospital Room for Marijuana

March 12, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Should a terminally ill cancer patient in Missouri have been been subjected to a search of his personal belongings because a hospital employee claimed that the smell of marijuana had emanated from the patient’s room? Furthermore, what rights do terminally ill patients have to relieve pain that they are suffering during their final days.

Viral Facebook Video

The controversy began when Nolan Sousley, a Stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient who recently stopped chemotherapy livestreamed a video on his Facebook Page, Nolan’s Tribe of Warriors Against Cancer. The video showed local police officers in Bolivar, Missouri rifling through his belongings in an attempt to find marijuana. Someone at Citizens Memorial Hospital, where Sousley is being treated, called police to complain that they smelled marijuana coming from his room. The hospital does not allow smoking or vaping on its premises.

On the video, Sousley can be seen telling the police that he doesn’t want them searching his belongings because he did not have any marijuana and that the contents of his bags contained his end-of-life preparations. Sousley also tells the officers that he had recently taken a capsule containing THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive component of marijuana, to manage his pain. A discussion ensues between the legality of medical marijuana and the fact that Sousley doesn’t have much time to live.

The State of Medical Marijuana in Missouri

One of the Bolivar officers indicated that medical marijuana is still illegal, but that is not exactly true. In November 2018, Missouri voters passed Amendment 2, a provision to legalize medical marijuana in the state. That provision went into effect December 6, 2018.

The state of medical marijuana in Missouri is temporarily in legal limbo, however, as state officials are in the process of setting up the procedures for qualifying patients along with dispensaries. Under the law, Sousley would qualify because of his status as a terminal patient.

A woman identified as Sousley’s doctor questioned whether police had the right to search for cannabis. Maybe not. Possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis has been legal in Missouri since 2014.