info@chedwards.net   (516) 249-5200
Menu
DIY Home Projects for Cold Winter Days

DIY Home Projects for Cold Winter Days

How have you been spending your winter days? Maybe you’re spending them curled up on the couch reading a book, or watching your favorite TV program? Having a lazy day once in awhile isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re stuck indoors because of the cold, why not turn your lazy day into a “go day”?

Here are some home DIY projects to tackle during these cold winter days:

Do some painting. Cold weather is ideal for drying paint. Redo the color scheme of your bathroom, or add dimension to your living room or bedroom. If you are feeling creative, grab some painter’s tape and create a pattern on your walls.

Change your light bulbs. It can be a bit of an investment, however, going around your home and swapping your old light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs will save you money! Energy Star qualified light bulbs will save you more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime.

Install a backsplash to your kitchen’s countertop. A backsplash is a perfect way to spice up the look of your kitchen. If your kitchen is in need of color and life, a flashy or textured tile can spice up a plain scheme. For a more chic look, go with a neutral colored tile.

Give your closet a makeover. If organization is on your list for 2016, start by tackling your closet. There are so many ways to personalize your closet for your needs. Install shelves or purchase an over the door shoe rack to help cut down on clutter. Go through your clothes and donate the items that you no longer wear. This is an excellent way to help others in need while achieving a personal goal.

Do a Home Inventory. Prepare a written list of all your valuable belongings. In the event of a homeowners claim or loss, this list will be at your fingertips and will help expedite the claim process. Aside from preparing a written list, be sure to take detailed pictures of all your items listed in your inventory.

For more information on home inventories, visit: http://www.rmiia.org/homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Home_Inventory.asp

These are just a few ideas to help you focus on the inside of your home while the weather is cold. Once spring time rolls around, you can focus your time on the outside!

For more inspirational DIY home projects, visit: http://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/g997/diy-weekend-home-decor-projects/?slide=1

Written by: Amanda Haase

Tips To Getting Organized

Tips To Getting Organized

The start of a New Year means a start to a new you. If you are striving for a successful New Year along with personal growth, follow these simple and easy tips to help you get organized.

Clean and organize your desk: Go through file cabinets and throw out any torn files and replace them with new ones. Color coordinate your files with different colored folders. (Ex. green for financial papers, purple for clients, red for bills, etc.)

Be like Santa every day of the week: Make your list and check it twice. One of the keys to organization is a to-do list. Make a list every night of all the things you need to accomplish the next day. Do this every night, including the weekends. There is nothing more satisfying than checking off items on your list and revealing what you have accomplished.

Use only one calendar: Avoid using multiple calendars. This will only cause you to forget appointments and important dates. If you’re maintaining more than one person’s schedule, like your children’s, or spouse, use different colored inks to record information for each family member.

Get rid of any office supplies you haven’t used in the past year: It can be hard, but getting rid of clutter and “dust collectors” on your desk will help you not only feel better but it will make your desk look neat. If you are in need of new supplies, donate the old ones and bring in the new ones. Keeping old supplies will only take up valuable space in your work area.

Update your rolodex or address book: Take the time to go through your contact information. Clear out all the cards or names of people you never called last year. Most importantly, make sure that all numbers and emails you have listed are correct.

Get the New Year started off right, and start thinking “out with the old and in with the new”.

This goes for your insurance as well. Maybe you have some concerns about your rates or the way your business is being handled? At C.H. Edwards, Inc., our management and staff take pride in the services we offer our clients. We offer you the best rates and coverage available along with our quality customer service.

So, put shopping for your insurance with C.H. Edwards, Inc., on your to do list. Give us a call at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The New Year has arrived and people all around the world will be making New Year’s Resolutions. Making a New Year’s Resolutions is the first step to achieving a new you, however, maintaining and following through with your goals can get tough.

Life gets busy and the objectives that you are hoping to reach can fall off of your priority list. If one of your resolutions this New Year is to maintain or get to a healthy weight, here are some easy, everyday tips that can help you stay on track during the chaos.

1. Exercise regularly. Even if it is just for 10 minutes a day, keeping your body moving will help maintain your goal.

2. Reduce your screen time. Put down the phone and remote control and get outside for a walk. Limiting your use of technology gives your mind a moment to rest and helps the body relax.

3. Watch your portions. There is no reason that you can’t enjoy the things you love while trying to eat better. It is all about portions. Instead of eating ten of your favorite cookies, try only having two. This goes for meal potions as well.

4. Eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. Fruits and veggies are packed with fiber, which means they fill you up. When you fill up on fruits and veggies, you’re less likely to overeat.

5. Avoid skipping breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This meal gives you the energy to kick start your day and also helps aid weight loss.

6. Join a gym. This option can open up many doors to your weight loss journey.

Do you own a gym or a fitness center? Join our family of satisfied fitness clients, and let us quote your gym today! Call our office at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net. Don’t forget to mention us at your gym so we can help them as well.

Good luck with your New Year’s Resolution!

Written by: Amanda Haase

National Walk Your Pet Month

National Walk Your Pet Month

January is National Walk Your Pet Month. During these cold winter months, it is important to keep your four legged friend warm when taking them for walks.

Many people are under the impression that dogs have a better capability of surviving cold temperatures than humans. However, this is not entirely true. Dogs may have the advantage of a fur coat but it does not mean they can stay warm in bitter cold temperatures.

Here are some helpful tips to follow, when keeping your dog warm during outdoor winter activities:

1. Dress your dog in a warm sweater when going on walks and playing outside. This extra layer of warmth will allow your dog to have more time outside without getting cold too quickly.

2. Slip on some dog booties. Dog booties are a great way to keep your dog’s paws warm when walking them in cold weather conditions such as snow.

3. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure they have the proper housing to shelter them. Their doghouse should have a sloped roof, insulation and even a heater if they will be in there for an extended amount of time.

4. Provide more food during winter months. Dogs use up more calories in the winter trying to stay warm. Providing a little extra food will allow your dog to have more energy.

Don’t forget the occasional treat and the belly rub. Nothing warms your dog’s heart and soul more than special food, and attention from their very best friend.

Written by: Amanda Haase

January is Eye Care Awareness Month

January is Eye Care Awareness Month

January is Eye Care Awareness month. Many think that eye exams and checkups are not as important as annual physicals from your primary doctor. That is not always the case.

It’s generally not necessary to see an eye doctor every 6 months for an eye exam, however, it is important to know when you should get your eyes checked. Age and medical conditions are two things to consider when making this choice.

Here are some other signs and symptoms that will let you know when it is time for an eye exam:

Sudden blurry vision or focus problems can be a sign of a larger health issue and should always be taken seriously. Even if it is happening in just one eye, play it safe and get it checked out.

Sudden appearances of visual disturbances such as floaters can be a sign of a retinal detachment, a retinal tear, or a retinal hole. If you experience this symptom, be sure to seek medical attention to avoid future vision loss or damage.

Gradual Blurring of Vision usually occurs over time or as we get older. If you have to move closer or further away from objects to have a better focus, it’s time to get a checkup.

Frequent or recurring headaches can be a closely related sign of a vision problem as well.

Having some infrequent eye pain or eye strain isn’t usually a big problem. However, if you are experiencing frequent eye pains or need to strain your eyes to focus, this could very well be a sign of a vision problem.

It is important that you and your family to get eyes checked today. Schedule an appointment with your eye care specialist for the New Year to avoid any future problems.

If you don’t have an eye doctor, find one at www.allaboutvision.com. This sight will help you locate an eye doctor in your area.

For more informational blogs like this one, visit our website at www.chedwards.net

Written by: Amanda Haase

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Christmastime is filled with many different holiday traditions. While people are decorating their homes or going to holiday themed shows and activities, families with younger children may have a visit to a Santa on their holiday to do list. For some this is an exciting experience, for others this activity can be met with apprehension and even fear. Here are some tips to help make visiting Santa a more pleasurable experience for both children and parents.

Do a test run. If your child has never had a photo or visit with Santa before, they may be frightened. The successful photo visit may take more than one time. Try a walk by, or if the line is short, maybe just a quick hello and then build up to the big event. Observe how your child is reacting and if they are old enough to engage in conversation, talk about the experience. Younger children who are frightened and may be crying can actually be the source of anxiety for older ones. The beard and red coat coupled with the fact of sitting on a strangers lap may also be concerning to your child. Acclimate your child to the experience and let them become familiar with how Santa looks and acts.

Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Consider not using this opportunity to dress up and wear the shiny new shoes. The new, dress holiday clothes may be another cause of discomfort. The goal is to look nice for the photo but not at the expense of your child’s experience.

Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger isn’t the source of discomfort. Bring a change of clothes just in case.

Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends, neighbors or even teachers in the community about Santa visits. Many Santa’s are trained to help make the experience easier for children with anxiety or special needs. Not every Santa is adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable.

Try and have a good time. Don’t expect perfection. Focus on building memories. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that just happen. Enjoy this wonderful time with your children.

Happy Holidays from your Santa’s helpers here at C.H. Edwards, Inc. If we can assist you with your Insurance needs this holiday season, feel free to contact us at 516-249-5200. www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise A. Visco

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

With just a week left till Halloween, it is finally time; pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their frightening Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween night!

Carving pumpkins is a great way to spend time with the whole family, but it can quickly become dangerous and turn Halloween fun into an unwanted nightmare. Pumpkins are tough but can become very slippery when handling them. This is why it is important to use extra precautions when carving pumpkins.

Follow some of these helpful safety tips when you’re carving your pumpkin this year:

Use the right tools: Consumer Reports tested pumpkin-carving kits a few years ago and observed that one advantage of the specialty tools is that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. Instead of using a household knife and spoon, purchase one of these kits from your local store.

Carve before taking off the top of the pumpkin: Carving the pumpkin before cutting the top off will help you avoid accidentally sticking your hand in the pumpkin while cutting inwards.

Take precautions: Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area.

Take your time: Remember, this is a fun activity and fun shouldn’t be rushed!

Don’t let kids carve: It is important to not let young children carve by themselves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands.

Pumpkin carving is fun for everyone. Make sure you are administering safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful safety information, so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family.

The Management and Staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!

 

Candle Safety

Candle Safety

The fall season is here and people everywhere are burning their favorite seasonal candles.

Before lighting your candles be sure to follow these 8 tips when using candles in your home.

1. Burning candles should never be left unattended.
2. Keep candles away from anything flammable.
3. If your candle is in a candle holder, it should be sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over.
4. Candles should be placed where children and pets can’t reach them.
5. Candlewicks should be trimmed to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping.
6. Keep the pool of wax in the candle clear of debris such as wick trimmings.
7. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for candle use. Most candles should be burned for only a couple of hours at a time.
8. Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out to avoid being burned by the hot wax.

Enjoy your fall season and your favorite candle safely this year!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

It’s finally here, Pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their spooky Jack-O-Lantern’s for Halloween night! Although carving pumpkins can be fun for the whole family, it can also be dangerous and turn Halloween into a nightmare. Pumpkins can be both slippery and tough, a recipe for accidents.

pumpkin carving 1

Follow some of these helpful safety tips when you’re carving your pumpkin this year:

Use the right tools: Consumer Reports tested pumpkin-carving kits a few years ago and observed that one advantage of the specialty tools was that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. The instruments were also generally small, which made them easier to control than knives and easier to use when making intricate cuts.

Carve before taking off the top of the pumpkin: Carving the pumpkin before cutting the top off will help you avoid accidentally sticking your hand in the pumpkin while cutting inwards.

Take precautions: Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area, keeping your hands and tools clean and dry. Most important, take your time. Remember, this is a fun activity and fun shouldn’t be rushed!

Don’t let kids carve: It is important to not let young children carve by them selves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands. If you have a young teen and they are trusted with a knife, be sure they are using a short knife and supervise as they are carving.

Halloween and fall activities are fun for everyone. Make sure you are enforcing safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love. Practicing safety can help prevent you from having your own “Nightmare before Halloween”.pumpkin carving 2

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful information so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family. Call us if we can be of assistance with any of your Halloween related claims.

The Management and Staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!