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The Oscars 2015

The Oscars 2015

oscars 1 Just like the Superbowl is to football fans, the Oscars is to film fans. Hollywood`s finest films and actors were celebrated this past Sunday. There was no doubt that this year of film was emotional yet exciting. The 87th Annual Academy Awards kicked off with Neil Patrick Harris and his traditional way of opening awards shows, which is with a musical. Anna Kendrick joined this musical number as her Cinderella character from “Into the Woods”. The duo danced through 87 years of movie history. The show then continued with the presentation of the most prestigious awards in film. These awards included Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) as Best Picture, Eddie Redmayne for Actor in a Leading Role, Julianne oscars 2Moore for Actress in a Leading Role, J.K Simmons for Actor in a Supporting Role, Patricia Arquette for Actress in a Supporting Role and Big Hero 6 for Animated Feature Film. Along with their films, these winners delivered speeches that were both heartfelt and inspiring. Eddie Redmayne acknowledged ALS awareness in his speech along with Graham Moore with his heart wrenching personal story and advice to “stay weird”. Aside from the awards, there were also many spectacular musical performances. Lady Gaga wowed the crowd lady gagawith her tribute to both the Sound Of Music and Julie Andrews in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic film. John Legend and Common also performed a tear jerking performance of “Glory” from the film, “Selma.” The two performed in front of a backdrop of Alabama’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, where hundreds walked across in 1965 for the right to vote. It’s also the same bridge depicted in the Oscar-nominated film, “Selma.” From the awards to the performances to the stars, it was night that will go down in film history.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

The Color of 2015!

The Color of 2015!

Color of the Year 1The New Year has already got some flavor to it! With constant changes in fashion trends, women can not wait to hear “What’s Now!”. Pantone has officially announced it’s color of the year. Marsala, a rich reddish-brown is the must have hue of the year.
The color is so rich and delicious you can almost taste it by looking at it. An earthy shade with a bit of sophistication, texture is the story in print and packaging. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding a sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury. Pairing the shade with neutral colors such as navy and black will ensure the best look while sporting this trendy color.

Not only is this color great to wear as clothing but can be worn in almost every accessory you own such as sunglasses, shoes, jewelry and even handbags. The deep wine Sicilian color truly flatters the mouth’s natural pigments in a lipstick as well. Flattering against many skin tones, sultry and subtle Marsala is a great go-to color for beauty, providing enormous Color of the Year 2highlight for the cheek, and a captivating pop of color for nails, shadows lips and hair. Equally appealing to men and women, Marsala is a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories, one that encourages color creativity and experimentation.
So there you have it, Marsala is the color of 2015. When will be your next shopping trip to pick up something in this fashionable color?

Written by: Amanda Haase & Sandra Costanzo

Did you watch the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special?

Did you watch the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special?

snl 140 years later and SNL is still crazier than ever. You never know what to expect on this late night comedy show and last night celebrated 4 decades of this iconic show. This monumental anniversary special aired last night and was packed with celebrities, SNL alumni, throwback sketches and new sketches and performances that will go down in history. Although this 3 and a half hour special was filled with hilarious and outrageous moments, here are the top 5 highlights of the night. The first highlight moment started with the opening monologue. Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake kicked off   snl 3 the show by paying a tribute to the most memorable moments in SNL history. They covered sketches from church to the Ambiguously Gay Duo, “two wild and crazy guys,” “more cowbell!” and the pals’ own “D— in a Box.” This monologue was later joined by SNL vet, Steve Martin who took the stage and noted wryly, “Tonight is like an enormous high school reunion.” After a few words, past hosts including Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Chris Rock, Miley Cyrus and Melissa McCarthy joined him onstage to land one-liners. The second highlight moment was “Celebrity Jeopardy”. Will snl 4Ferrell reprised his role as game show host Alex Trebek and welcomed Sean Connery (current SNL emcee Darrell Hammond) and Burt Reynolds (Norm Macdonald). The third highlight is “The Californians”. Kenan Thompson, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen and Vanessa Bayer returned in the recurring soap opera parody. This time around, Karina (Wiig) finds out she’s pregnant but not with the baby of husband Stuart (Armisen) or with lover Devin (Hader). The denim short short-sporting pool boy Greg … or Craig … (Bradley Cooper). Enhancing this A-list cast in nearly incomprehensible Valley girl accents were Taylor Swift, Kerry Washington and none other than Betty White, whose character had had an affair with Cooper’s. Long story short, Cooper and White kissed, and it broke the Internet. The fourth highlight moment is the “weekend update”. Amy Poehler,Tina Fey and Jane Curtin took over “Weekend Update” anchor duties, though their guests managed to occupy plenty of the spotlight. Emma Stones tepped out to do her best impression of Gilda Radner’s Roseanne Roseannadanna, McCarthy crashed snl 2into the “Update” desk as Chris Farley’s “motivational” speaker Matt Foley and Edward Norton emulated Stefon. The final highlight moment was “Waynes World”. Wayne (Mike Meyers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) reunited for another episode of Wayne’s World. Sharing an SNL-themed Top 10 list, the seasoned pros anchored the special with a sentimental thank-you to producer Lorne Michaels and the crew even as they managed to deliver some of the night’s most topical jokes, including an extended gag about West pegged to his Feb. 8 Grammys lash out at Beck After telling Kanye West not to “storm the stage,” they kept the laughs coming: “I think Beck was one of the best, even better than Beyonce.” All in all, it was a night that honored where SNL has irreverently been and the creative minds who have formed its identity, all the while keeping an eye toward the current events that have provided the show’s backbone over the last 40 years.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Give the Gift of Life Insurance this Valentine’s Day!

Give the Gift of Life Insurance this Valentine’s Day!

Happy-Valentines-Day-SignValentine’s Day is only a day away. Are you still searching for that special gift? Consider giving the gift of Life Insurance. Planning ahead to make sure that your loved ones can continue on without having to make sacrifices is the greatest gift you can give. Whether it’s Term, Variable, Universal or Whole life insurance, C.H. Edwards, Inc. can assist in deciding what is best for you and your loved ones.

Maybe you already have Life Insurance? Have you considered reviewing your Insurance? Reviewing your existing insurance program is extremely important. It is very common to purchase insurance and never review it. Insurance companies will not contact you to advise if less expensive options are available or that there may be a problem in the future.

The following are areas of concern for existing life insurance policies, many of which we may be able to help you correct.family

-Term Life Insurance: The cost of term Insurance has changed in recent years. This may present an opportunity to save on your current premium. Often you can extend your fixed guarantee period or increase coverage for the same outlay.

-Variable Life Insurance: Careful attention needs to be paid to ensure that the contracts are performing adequately based on the values of the iinvestment. Reallocation or increased premium may be required.

-Universal Life Insurance: These policies are interest rate sensitive. The current lower interest rate environment has affected existing policies. Projections from the existing insurance company often show the policy owners may need to pay additional premium or face losing their coverage at a time in your life when it is needed most.valenintes vpc

-Whole Life Insurance: Many of these policies require several years of additional payments before premiums can cease. Although they are often purchased for their cash value growth, you may find less need for the cash and view the policy as an inheritance for your heirs. Sometimes leveraging the cash value for a high death benefit makes sense.

Does all of this seem overwhelming to you? Helping you understand your Insurance is a valuable service C.H. Edwards, Inc. offers to clients. So whether you are already a client or considering joining the C.H. Edwards, Inc. family let us help you give the gift of Life Insurance this Valentine’s Day.

From the Management and Staff of C.H. Edwards, Inc., Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise Visco

Music’s Biggest Night Of The Year: 2015 Grammy Awards

Music’s Biggest Night Of The Year: 2015 Grammy Awards

taylorIt was music`s biggest night of the year and the Grammys did not fail to amaze. This rockin night took place in sunny California in the iconic Staples Center. All the stars were out for a night of glamour, outstanding musical performances and of course, the awards! Top musical stars from Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Stevie Wonder, Rhianna and Sir Paul McCartney were in attendance.

There was no hiding that Sam Smith was the king of the 57th Grammy awards. He was the winner of several awards which included Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Pop vocal album. Other winners included, Beck for Album of the Year, Pharrell Williams for Best Pop Solo Performance and Paramore for Best Rock Song.

rhiannaBesides the red carpet glam and awards presented, there were also many over the top musical performances. Kanye West, Sir Paul McCartney and Rhianna rocked out the stage during their performance of “FourFiveSeconds”. Madonna brought her “Living for Love” music video to life on the Grammys stage. And Beyonce closed out the 2015 Grammys with a gorgeous rendition of the gospel song “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” which preceded John Legend and Common’s performance of the Oscar-nominated tune “Glory.” It was another phenomenal night in music and definitely one for the books.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Go Red For Women’s Heart Disease Month!

Go Red For Women’s Heart Disease Month!

go redRed is not only the powerful color for love but also for empowering woman in their fight for heart disease. February is typically viewed as the month of love and Valentines Day. Along with this, it is also a month dedicated to women’s heart disease. Go Red for Woman is an organization that’s associated with the American Heart Association. Every year the date of February 6th is dedicated to this cause and for the people who lost their battle to this disease or continue to fight it.

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an older man’s disease. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart go red 2disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

Anyone can help this cause by wearing red for awareness or donating to the American Heart Association. The website for this organization is www.goredforwomen.org. Heart Disease is not just a man’s disease.
Heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women, yet it’s 80% preventable. This can easily come to an end with enough recognition and awareness. By wearing red on February 6th, you will be bringing awareness to the cause. You can show off your red attire by posting a picture on all your social media profiles and use the hashtag #GoRed. It’s time to raise awareness and it all starts with you.

Written By: Sandra Costanzo

Do you have a case of the Winter Blues?

Do you have a case of the Winter Blues?

The winter weather is here and the days are getting shorter. You may be feeling down, sleepy or even like there is nothing to do. winter blues 1

Winter blues is still a mystery to scientists who study it. Most people who suffer from “seasonal affective disorder” are experiencing depression like symptoms due to a lack of sunlight and a “phase shift”. The wall clock might be saying its time to get up but your body is telling you otherwise.

It is important that during these winter months you are finding activities to keep you busy and help lift your spirits.

winter blues 2Get involved with your community: Joining a church group or even doing community service can lift your spirits and get you out of the house.

Join a gym: Joining a gym benefits you in many ways. Not only does it get you out of the house and moving, but exercise relieves stress and also helps you establish a weight loss goal.

Wear bright colors: Wearing bright colors simply brightens your mood! Scientist say that there is a link between feeling optimistic and sporting bright colors. Give it a try!

Force yourself outside: Going outside for a brisk walk or even just to sit on your porch with a cup of hot cocoa will brighten your day and help you connect with nature.

Hang out with friends and family: Hanging out with friends and family regularly will keep you optimistic. Go out and get a bite to eat or even invite friends and family over to spend the day with them.Attractive young adult couple painting interior wall of house.

Challenge yourself: Giving yourself a challenge will help keep your mind busy and entertained. Find projects around the house like organizing your pantry or even cleaning out your closet or re-doing your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen.

Avoid the winter blues and keep in touch with life and nature. Remember, it’s the little things in life that keep us happy!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Four Things You Should Know Before Watching Superbowl XLIX

Four Things You Should Know Before Watching Superbowl XLIX

It’s almost time for the Super Bowl! Here’s the top 4 things that you need to know. After 4 months of battling to the top, the Seattle Seahawks will face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. This showdown will take place in Glendale, Arizona. NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

The first fun fact to know is that this super bowl will be the 11th time that the number one team from the AFC will verse the number one team from the NFC.

The second fun fact is that if the Seahawks succeed in winning then they will be the second repeat champions in a decade. No team has done this since The New England Patriots in 2005.

The third fun fact is the highly anticipated entertainment. The stadium will “roar” with a half time NFL: Denver Broncos at New England Patriotsperformance by Katy Perry. She’s also bringing in Lenny Kravitz for back up. The Super Bowl entertainment wouldn’t be complete without the national anthem being sung but Idina Minzel.

The last fun fact is that after this year’s title tilt, the NFL has chosen to break tradition regarding their Roman numeral title.

The 2016 Super Bowl will be known just as Super Bowl 50. This Super Bowl is set to take place in San Francisco at the 49ers’ Levi’s stadium. Between the two number one teams completing for one championship and a phenomenal entertainment lineup, this years Super Bowl is to be nothing short of amazing.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Identity Theft: Should You Carry It On Your Homeowners Policy?

Identity Theft: Should You Carry It On Your Homeowners Policy?

credit-card-fraud (1)If you are a Homeowner, and carry a Homeowners policy, you might be wondering whether or not it is worth it to endorse identity theft coverage onto your policy.

“What is identity theft?” “What is the chance of it happening to me?”

Identity theft is fraudulent acquisition and the use of a person’s private identifying information. Identity theft happens to over 15 million people in the United States every year. There is no doubt that you could be at risk of identity theft.

Before you decide whether or not to add identity theft onto your homeowners insurance, it is important to understand what the endorsement covers and does not cover.

Identity theft coverage will cover:

The expenses involved in repairing your credit and restoring your identity. This could include things such as lost wages, legal fees, any fees associated with reapplying loans and the cost of phone calls, postage and notarization during the credit-reparation process.

Identity theft coverage will NOT cover:

Any assets that were taken due to the identity theft. Identity theft will only cover the expenses related to restoring your credit. Theft from your bank account would be covered by your bank’s zero-liability policies, not from your identity coverage policy on your homeowners policy.identity_theft

Some homeowner’s policies already include identity coverage. In any case, it is important to check with your insurance company or agent to see if your current policy includes these benefits.

Even if your policy doesn’t, identity theft coverage can often be added for only $15-$60 per year.
If you have any questions regarding your homeowners policy and if you have identity theft coverage, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call. Our Personal Lines Representative will be able to find coverage that best fits your individual needs.

Visit our website at www.chedwards.net or call 516-249-5200.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Is Financial Planning one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Don’t forget about your Insurance.

Is Financial Planning one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Don’t forget about your Insurance.

money and savingThe new year is upon us and we are still working on this year’s resolutions. Did you make Financial Planning part of your resolution this year? Insurance is an important piece of building a solid financial foundation because it helps to minimize your financial risks.

How much do you know about Insurance? This is a good time to learn more. Insurance can provide valuable protection from potential risks, for example if you need to replace your laptop if it’s stolen or if you are unable to work due to sudden injury. Both can be very expensive, but with the right insurance, they will not become a financial burden.

Depending on your personal situation, your insurance needs will vary. This year resolve to learn more about your insurance needs and how you can protect yourself and build a solid financial future.

How can Insurance help you?

Re-evaluating your existing coverage can save you money and in the future, ensure you are protected against any misfortune down the line. Understand your insurance and learn more about how much and what coverage you need.

Speaking with an agent to review your insurance is the way to get started. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent all of your questions. This is the best way to obtain the knowledge you require. A good agent will take the time to talk with you and answer all of your questions. If you feel uncomfortable or feel like you are being rushed, then maybe your current agent is not the right fit for your needs.

Here are some items that should be on your checklist to a successful financial future:

-How much are your belongings worth? Do you need Renters Insurance?money in jar

-Do you have a car? Are you carrying enough coverage, or the right coverage? In some cases, spending a little bit more initially can save you down the line. Maybe tailoring some of your other coverage will allow you what you need to make this decision.

-Think about your future. Will you have a student in college anytime soon? This may be another time in your life that you are vulnerable. There are solutions for many areas of student life. Is your family protected in the event that you become disabled? Have you considered if your families current quality of life would be affected when you can no longer be with them. Now is the time to consider Life and or Disability Insurance so that you will no longer need to worry about that.

-Is this the year you are looking to start that business you always dreamed of? Do you know what kind of insurance is required for a business? Will you be running your business from your home or renting a property? Be prepared.

Insurance can be intimidating, but it can also be a lifesaver in the event of a loss. Choosing the least expensive insurance can save you money now, but if the coverage is not adequate, those savings won’t matter if something were to happen. With insurance, value is more important than price.
piggy bankAn agent can tell you if you qualify for any discounts and assist you in getting the best possible coverage for your money.

The time you invest today, will save you in the future. In life, accidents happen. Don’t let one set back prevent you from reaching your goals this year. Help protect yourself and your money with insurance. Do your research and talk to an agent that will help you move forward.

If you are already a client of C.H. Edwards, Inc., please call us for an Insurance Review today. If you are receiving this and have been unable to acquire this information from your current agent, why not give us a call. Our website is available to you whenever you have the time at www.chedwards.net.
Our Customer Service Agents are available from 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m, Monday through Friday at 516-249-5200. We can spend as much time as necessary to help you achieve your financial goals. Let our knowledgeable staff assist you today.

Have a Happy, Healthy and protected New Year!

Written by: Denise Visco