It’s Official, Miley Cyrus Is Hosting The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards!

It’s Official, Miley Cyrus Is Hosting The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards!

Miley EditThe rumors are true and it’s official Miley Cyrus is hosting the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, set to air live August 30 at 9 p.m.

In typical Miley fashion, she announced her big news by dressing up as an alien and wearing a sandwich board that reads “MTV WON’T LET ME PERFORM” on one side and “SO I’M HOSTING THIS YEAR’S VMA’S” on the other.

At just just 15, Miley attended he first VMAs in 2008. She was nominated for Best New Artist and was up against Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. She’s had quite the history with this award show since then. Last year, she made headlines when she graciously offered up her acceptance speech time to her homeless date, Jesse Helt, who explained the plight of homeless youth in L.A. That moment sparked the creation of Miley’s Happy Hippie organization, which gives support services to those in need.

And, as you might remember, Miley’s 2013 VMAs were marked by the twerk seen ’round the world, when she danced with Robin Thicke and a giant foam finger. Never forget.

We can only imagine the amazing antics she’ll pull this year.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

6 Tips To Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Looking Lawn This Summer Season

6 Tips To Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Looking Lawn This Summer Season

grass

The warm sunny weather is here and it’s time of the year for healthy, green growing grass. A yard doesn’t just have healthy green grass all by itself year after year. In most cases, it takes constant gardening maintenance to care for grass and maintain its gorgeous green coloring.

 

During this time of year, your grass needs special care. Follow these 6 tips when maintaining your lawn this summer season:

1. Cut your grass at the proper height to maintain its health. If your grass is cut too short, it will burn in the sun or die. Grass that is kept too high will start to thin out due to too much shade. Tall grass also stays damp, which can lead to mold and mildew. Trim your grass about once a week during the growing season to keep it the correct height.

2. Dethatch your yard every two or three years to remove dead grass buildup. When grass dies and new blades take its place, dead vegetation builds up on top of the soil. This can block light and air from advancing new growth.

3. Towards the end of the summer season, aerate your yard to loosen the soil and incorporate more air flow near the surface.

4. After you aerate your grass, overseed your grass. Since you already have a lawn, simply cast the seeds by hand over the grass, throwing out more seed over thin areas.

5. Water your grass on a regular basis, and after casting seed, to maintain healthy growth.

Watering lawn6. Set up a sprinkler for your yard, and water the grass once a day for 15 minutes. Be sure to avoid overwatering your grass. Continue this until you see blades of new grass growing.

Maintain that healthy, beautiful look you love all summer long by following these simple maintenance tips. Make your lawn, your home’s first impression.

For more lawn maintenance and gardening tips visit http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/22-year-round-lawn-care-tips-pictures

Written by: Amanda Haase

Drink Tea For Better Heart Health

Drink Tea For Better Heart Health

Woman drinking green tea

A recent study found that drinking tea will lower your risk of heart disease. The USDA reported that men and women who drank black tea for three weeks reduced their total and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by an average of 7.5 percent. Researchers concluded that drinking tea may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Antioxidants called flavonoids found in both black and green tea, are thought to be strong weapons in the fight against heart disease.

This news is especially important for women, given heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined including breast cancer.

Think about enjoying a cup of tea each day and not only will you be taking a well deserved break, but you will also be taking an important step in improving your heart health.

Written by: Denise Visco

Tips To Staying Safe On Your Summer Road Trip Vacation

Tips To Staying Safe On Your Summer Road Trip Vacation

summer driving photoSummer is finally here and that means one thing – it’s road trip season! Whether you plan on following your favorite band around the country, taking a family vacation or diner hoping, it is important to stay safe while on your trip. Check out these seven tips to staying safe on your road trip vacation:

 

1. Before you go, check your oil, and any other fluids that may be low.

tires photo2. Make sure tires are properly inflated and inspect them for excessive wear.

3. If the battery in your vehicle is more then three years old, have it tested. You may even want to replace it.

(Please see our Summer Safety Driving Tips blog for more information regarding vehicle maintenance) https://www.chedwards.net/blog/summer-driving-safety-tips/#/

4. When you plan a trip, time your route so you drive through the busiest places during non-peak travel hours.

5. When you and your family take a break from driving to eat or sleep, either bring your pricey gadgets with you or hide them inside your locked car to avoid theft.

6. Avoid speeding and rapid accelerations to conserve your gas. Remember, hauling heavy cargo is bad for fuel economy as well.

7. Pack emergency supplies of food, water, tools, a cell phone charger, and a flashlight. You may not need them but it never hurts to be safe rather than sorry.

Make sure when you plan your summer road trip you follow these driving photohelpful, safety tips to protect your loved ones. If you are interested in receiving a free, no obligation Automobile quote please give C.H. Edwards a call at 516-249-5200, and let us help you get covered!

Drive safe this summer season!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Is It Better To Be Loved or Feared?

Is It Better To Be Loved or Feared?

sherk week 1 Welcome to the life of a shark, which has just that kind of effect on people. While millions of Americans will tune in this week to Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, local shark experts are hoping they walk away with more education and empathy than myth and hysteria.

“Yes, certainly I watch it; it’s been around as long as my career. In its beginning form it was much more scientific-based. Sadly, the program over time has evolved into more sensationalism to feed the ratings monster,” said Dean Fessler, marine biologist and education director at the Shark Research Institute, a nonprofit education and shark advocacy group based in Princeton.

Previous years’ episodes of Shark Week have explored the possible continued existence of megalodon — a 60-foot shark that lived 15 million to 2 million years ago — or that showed great white sharks attacking boats have turned shark advocates off, said Fessler.
Now in its 28th year, Shark Week drew more than 40 million viewers last year to its weeklong portrayal of the ocean’s apex predators, proving that sharks are popular culture. However, producers of the shows have promised to keep the focus more on science and research this time around.

shark week 2“It’s an educational opportunity especially for children or people who don’t know much about sharks,” said Capt. Steve Nagiewicz, diver and chairman of the Shark Research Institute.

Nagiewicz, who lives in Brick, said people need education on sharks now more than ever. Will you tune into this horrifying yet exciting week filled with sharks?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

10 Swimming Pool Safety Tips

10 Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Suinground pool photommer time is here and it’s time to “dive in”. Whether you have a luxury in-ground pool, or plan on installing one in the near future, it is essential to consider the safety effects that come with this special feature of your home.

Before you and your family jump in to cool off, consider taking the following steps:

 

1. Contact your town or municipality to make sure you comply with your local safety standards and building codes.

2. Call your insurance agent or company representative to advise them that you have a pool and speak to them about an umbrella liability policy for additional liability protection.

3. Install a four-sided barrier such as a fence with self closing gates to completely surround the pool.

4. If the house forms the fourth side of the barrier, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children from wandering into the pool or spa unsupervised.

children swimming photo5. Never leave small children unsupervised—even for a few seconds.

6. Keep children away from pool filters and other mechanical devices as the suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing.

7. Before allowing your company access to your pool or spa, ask them if they know how to swim. Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer.

8. Check the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential accident hazards.

9. Limit alcohol use around the pool. An impaired family member or friend can put themselves in great danger while under the influence and near the pool.

10. Clearly post emergency numbers on the phone, in the event of an accident.

Consider taking these steps this pool season and go the extra mile by purchasing an umbrella policy to protect you above and beyond what your homeowner’s policy would normally.

Give C.H. Edwards a call today at 516-249-5200 for a free no obligation quote on an umbrella policy.

For more information visit our website at www.chedwards.net or email us at info@chedwards.net.

Swim Safely this Summer Season!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Photo by Decorative Concrete Kingdom

Photo by Lars Plougmann

It’s Summertime on Long Island

It’s Summertime on Long Island

The sun is out and summer is in full bloom. There is no better place to be than Long Island for the summer. From the beaches to fabulous restaurants to concerts, there’s never a dull moment. Here are some fun filled bucket list activities to check out off your list this summer.

li beachThe number one summer activity is the beach. And your in luck because Long Island has many to choose from.The north shore is great for a relaxing day on the sound and the south shore is perfect for when you want to catch a wave.

The second is festivals. Many towns have celebratory fairs on Main Street throughout the summer, and there are a lot of other festivals as well. Aside from festivals you can also check out Bayville long-island-summer-festivalsAdventure Park, where you’ll find everything from bumper boats and mini golf to rock climbing and mazes! And if a water adventure is more of your idea of fun then go Kayaking. The sound can be fun to paddle around in, and Long Island is also home to a number of streams and rivers that make the perfect place to bring your kayak or canoe. And another adventure activity is hiking. Plenty of plants will be in bloom to make for a very scenic stroll.

music festivalsAside from all the adventure, Long Island has an awesome music scene, so catch a live concert. There are several free “concert in the park” series across LI including, music at the Northport Gazebo. The Great South Bay Music Festival will run from July 18-20 this year. Along with music you can also head to the 17th Annual Long Island International Film Expo to see some great independent films.

And the last two bucket list activities include going to a farmers’ market and buying some fresh produce. You’re also liable to find some great local baked goods as well.

go kartingThe last activity is to go go-karting at Karts Indoor Raceway and have a blast even if it’s hot or raining outside. With so much to do right here on Long Island, there’s never a reason to say I am bored again.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

June Is Lane Courtesy Month

June Is Lane Courtesy Month

highway photoJune is Lane Courtesy month. Yielding when you merge into faster traffic is a simple concept, but it is often overlooked and forgotten.

Chances are, when you’re behind the wheel, you observe many people ignoring this basic driving rule. This rule is commonly referred to as “Lane Courtesy”. If everyone would practice Lane Courtesy, driving would be much more pleasurable, our roads would be safer, and road rage would decrease along with the number of accidents we have each year.

Here are the four main benefits provided, when practicing Lane Courtesy:

1. You’re Less Likely To Be In An Accident
When you avoid distracting and frustrating other drivers on the road, traffic is able to run more smoothly. When traffic is running smoothly, there is less tailgating, less weaving in-and-out of traffic, and therefore fewer accidents.

2. You Will Get Better Gas Mileagegas mileage photo
While Lane Courtesy promotes smooth flowing traffic, it also helps drivers maintain an even pace. Vehicles use the most gas when accelerating. Less braking followed by acceleration will improve fuel economy.

3. You Will Arrive To Your Destination Faster
Correctly yielding and merging onto a highway reduces congestion and traffic. When traffic runs smoothly, drivers are able to use the road to its fullest extent.

4. You Will Not Have To Deal With Road Rage
Dealing with road rage is the last thing you want to do. Nobody likes to fight with others on the road. Drivers who “hog” the left lane are a main source of irritation for numerous drivers. The simple act of moving to the right can eliminate drivers’ stress as well as reduce road raging.

Think about Lane Courtesy next time you’re on the road. Not only will Lane Courtesy help you, but it will help others around you.

Drive Safely!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Photo by davebloggs007

Photo by Bill Selak

Disney Tops The Box Office With Inside Out

Disney Tops The Box Office With Inside Out

inside out 1 Disney tops box offices once again with its newest release of its latest animated film. Inside Out is a 2015 animated comedy fantasy Disney/Pixar film, released on June 19, 2015. It is Pixar’s 15th feature-length animated film. In keeping with Pixar tradition, a short film called Lava accompanied the movie.

Here are some interesting fun facts from this box office hit. Disgust is shaped like a piece of broccoli. And the other emotions have intentional shapes as well: Anger looks like a brick, Fear is tall and thin like a nerve, Joy is shaped like a star, and Sadness resembles a teardrop. Another fact is a team of 45 animators worked on the movie, about half the size of previous Pixar films. Another fun fact is when Riley’s dreams shift into nightmares, the film plays the theme music from Disneyland’s inside out 2Haunted Mansion ride. The last fun fact is the console in headquarters gets bigger as Riley gets older. Grab your popcorn and candy because this is one movie you don’t want to miss.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Summer Driving Safety Tips

Summer Driving Safety Tips

summer driving 1Summer is finally here and it’s time to start preparing your vehicles for long summer trips. Ensuring that your vehicle is safe and ready to drive is imperative when keeping you and your loved ones safe. If you haven’t done so already, these are the top five things you should begin checking on your vehicles:

 

1. Tire Tread – make sure theresummer driving 2 is enough tread on your tires to guarantee an efficient grip on the pavement when driving and braking.

2. Suspension – if your car dips or rocks when you go over bumps, or drift around corners (even at low speeds) it may be time to replace your vehicle’s shocks or struts.

3. Alignment – potholes and rough road surfaces from winter weather don’t just make for a bad ride, they can affect the alignment of your wheels. Misaligned wheels can cause a multitude of problems, including uneven tire wear.

4. Under-inflated Tires – make sure your tires have enough air in them to prevent them from going flat.

Turning on the AC in a hot car5. Air conditioning – make sure your air conditioner is working properly to prevent heat exhaustion when taking long trips. This is especially important when traveling with young children and the elderly.

If you have not already, make an appointment with your local Auto Care Facility, so they can properly inspect your vehicle to determine any existing or future problems.

Remember, if you are involved in an automobile accident and need to report a claim, make sure to contact your Insurance Agent as soon as possible so the claims process can begin and you and your car can get back on the road safely.

If you are interested in receiving a quotation for automobile insurance, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200, and one of our automobile specialists will be happy to help you find coverage while saving you money.

For more information visit our website at www.chedwards.net
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Drive safely this summer!

Written by: Amanda Haase