Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 90th Anniversary

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 90th Anniversary

Halloween is behind us and we are already on to the next holiday. And that’s Thanksgiving, of course! I don’t know about you but one of the first things I think of (besides all the food) is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. This year is even more special because it`s the 90th anniversary!

You only turn 90 once, so Macy`s is planning on kicking it up this year to celebrate nine decades of this holiday tradition. From Felix (the first giant balloon in 1927) to Snoopy (the character with the most balloons), there is so much to look forward to this year! One of the throwback classics that they are featuring this year is Felix. “DreamWorks Animation’s Felix the Cat, whose likeness was the first balloon featured in a Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in 1927, will return in throwback form, designed and built in the same methods utilized in the 1920s. Unlike his fellow balloons such as Charlie Brown and Ronald McDonald, Felix will process carried on sticks, also mimicking his original appearance.” Another fun act that you can’t miss is two sets of the Muppets. Kermit and his crew will be kicking off the parade with a musical number and Big Bird and the “Sesame Street” team will be appearing later in the parade. This year is guaranteed to be the perfect combination of classic and current favorites. The parade airs at 9 a.m. on NBC and you don’t want to miss it!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Snickers Candy

Snickers Candy

Snickers are hands down one of the most popular candy in the world. This candy can bring in an annual profits grossing around $2 billion. One thing we can agree on is that Snickers are pure edible joy. Besides knowing that they are absolutely delicious, I am going to share with you 6 fun facts that you might of not known.

1. Snickers got their name from a favorite horse of the Mars family.

2. Each regular Snickers bar has around 16 peanuts in each one.

3. When Snickers was released in 1930, the cost was just 5 cents.

4. Over 15 million Snickers are manufactured every day.

5. While they’re the most popular candy in the world, Snickers are not the top selling candy in America. The number one selling candy in America is M&Ms.

6. In the U.K., the Isle of Man, and Ireland, Snickers were sold

Now you know a little bit more about this scrumptious treat! Just like the slogan goes, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”! Comment below which kind of Snickers is your favorite! Ours is the Snickers peanut butter squared!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Candy Corn Fun Facts!

Candy Corn Fun Facts!

Although everyone might seem pumpkin spice crazy at the moment, there is always one Halloween classic treat that will never be forgotten. And that is, candy corn. This sweet treat is a Halloween staple and often overlooked. We are going to give you some Halloween fun facts that you might not have known. And after reading our facts, let us know your favorite! And don’t forget to enjoy this classic treat on October 30th because that is National Candy Corn day!

• The original name for candy corn was “Chick Feed” and was marketed toward farmers.

• Candy corn has been around for over 130 years when George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderlee Candy Company, stumbled upon the perfect mixture of corn syrup, sugar and marshmallow flavoring, which invented the tri-color candy in 1880.

• Americans have debated on the style of how the kernels should be consumed. According to a survey, 46.8% of people think that the whole kernel should be eaten at once, compared to 42.7% that start at the white, narrow end. While the remaining 10.6% of people start at the wider yellow end.

• A recent CNN Facebook survey found that older people tend to like candy corn more than younger ones do. The study also found that 86% of females love candy corn compared to 14% of males.

• According to Google Insights, candy corn is the most searched for candy term in Google. Alabama has the highest about of candy corn searches out of all 50 states. The only thing sweeter than “Sweet Home Alabama” is the candy corn itself.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

The Lion King – Live-Action Remake

There is very exciting news that was officially released from Disney studios. Disney and director Jon Favreau are working on a live-action remake of one of the studio’s most popular animated films, The Lion King!

Disney has amazed us with their recent live-action remakes. Some of these include, The Jungle Book, Maleficent, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, which is coming out in 2017. What makes the Lion King even more unique is that it will feature the original soundtrack. So now you can sing along to these classic tunes the same way you remembered them.

“We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of the Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide,” the company said in a press release.

The original Lion King debuted in 1994. This was one of the biggest animated films of all time. Which included many awards and nominations. It grossed at $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically, according to Disney. Now we have to see if this re-make will be even more successful, we sure hope it is. Although there is no exact release date, the debut is anticipated for early 2017. Is this something you are looking forward to, because just like Simba, we can’t wait!

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island

Fall is here and it`s time for pumpkin picking, festivals and so much more! Luckily on Long Island there is always something to do, especially in the Fall. Whether you are looking for a family fun day or a day out with friends, there is always something to do. Below I will list the top 6 activities to do this season.

1. Why not pick fresh apples! Lewins Farms in Wading River is the perfect place pick your own apples. Then you can either enjoy a fresh apple or even make an apple pie.

2. You can pumpkin pick! There are so many pumpkin farms on Long island including Schmitts Farm in Melville and Stakey`s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue.

3. The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens, presented throughout October, showcases the amazing work of dozens of local artists. Spend an hour walking through the trail and see more than 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns light up the night.

4. Southampton embraces fall with a full weekend of art, music, food, entertainment, and history near the end of September. The aptly named Southampton Septemberfest allows residents and visitors to explore Southampton’s rich cultural heritage and its close connection to agriculture and the sea. Adding to the entertainment are volunteers dressed in traditional outfits who sell locally grown produce, teach traditional crafts like basket weaving, and even hold class in a one-room schoolhouse.

5. Celebrate Long Island’s rich history and traditions at the Hallockville Museum Farm’s Fall Festival and Craft Show, which includes demos on basket weaving, yarn spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, and more, plus more than 50 craft vendors. See livestock displays, farm machinery and tractor exhibits, and even a model railroad display.

6. Grande Festa Italiana, held annually in early September at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, is both the largest and oldest Italian feast on Long Island. Along with the rides, fireworks, and live music, kids can enjoy sampling a variety of Italian foods and watching cooking demonstrations.

With so much to do, it`s easy to say that Long Island is the place to be during the Fall. What activity is your favorite?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

iPhone 7 Plus Release

iPhone 7 Plus Release

Apple lovers are jumping for joy now that Apple has officially released the new iPhone 7 Plus. One of the first exciting features of the new device is the dual lens system. The phone is also now available in the new color option of blue! Along with these changes there has been a change in the way you’ll be using your headphones. “The new device will indeed not have a headphone jack and may be even equipped for wireless charging – the “docking” magnets on the back look similar to the ones on the Watch.”

Many consumers have mixed feelings about the “missing” headphone jack. Some love it, and some are not very fond of the idea just yet.

Will you be upgrading your phone for the new iPhone 7 Plus?

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Open roads and motorcycle safety is always in style!

Open roads and motorcycle safety is always in style!

 

Blue Skies and open roads are finally here. Not only does that mean it’s time to get your motorcycle back on the road, but also to make sure you are riding with safety.  “While motorcycles are cool, they just aren’t as safe as cars. To some people, that’s part of the appeal. Living life on the edge and taking risks can be part of what makes riding a motorcycle rewarding.” In this blog, you will find many safety tips to make sure you have the best experience possible.

 

  1. Wear a helmet. A helmet can help reduce or prevent concussions, skull fractures, damage to eye sockets or other facial features, and traumatic brain injuries.
  2. Take a motorcycle safety course. http://nysmsp.org/, is one of the many places to offer both basic and beyond basic motorcycle safety courses.
  3. Check your motorcycle before hitting the road. Make sure the lights, horn, blinkers, brakes, and tires are in good working order before you even turn on the engine, especially if you have not been on your bike recently.
  4. Educate your passengers. Make sure to have a spare helmet ready for anyone else who will ride with you on your motorcycle, and talk them through motorcycle safety so you can drive distraction-free.
  5. Keep your hands firmly on the handlebars. Too many drivers take one hand off the wheel, especially to fiddle with the radio or answer their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous enough when you’re surrounded by metal and airbags – when you’re operating a motorcycle, all you have between yourself and hitting the pavement is your safety gear and your awareness. Keep your hands in place, steering your bike, and look out for other drivers.
  6. Look twice at every intersection. Look left, then right, then left again before driving through an intersection. Many drivers do not look carefully for stop or yield signs. A number of drivers involved in motorcycle accidents claim that they did not even see the rider before it was too late. This simple safety precaution can help ensure that you see them and that they see you before it’s too late.
  7. Leave enough space. As a motorcyclist, you will not have the benefit of a bumper if you hit the vehicle in front of you, and you could easily fly off your bike and seriously injure yourself.

 

Along with these safety tips, you should also make sure your insurance is completely up to date. One major detour / red light on your joy ride, could be not having proper coverage, including motorcycle accessory coverage. Here at C.H. Edwards, we make getting proper coverage as easy as cruising through green lights. Give us a call for your no obligation quotation.

Gina Rodriguez makes a high school student’s dreams come true!

Gina Rodriguez makes a high school student’s dreams come true!

Gina Rodriguez, the star of “Jane the Virgin”, is making a high school student`s prom dream come true. Jessica Casanova is a high school teen who dreamt of wearing her idol`s Golden Globes dress to prom. Gina Rodriquez saw her tweet and made her dreams come true.

“Rodriguez’s good gestures didn’t end there, as she paid for some alterations to the dress and even sent along a personal video, according to the Associated Press. In it she tells Casanova, “I love you, I’m so proud of you. I’m so excited for you. Dance like no one’s watching, have the time of your life. Enjoy every single moment. Make smart decisions and let loose, girl. You look beautiful.” After seeing this, many fans also got in on this action and started the trend, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Golden Globes Dress.” Gina plans on passing her dress along to other teens attending their prom.

This amazing gesture made by Gina Rodriguez is something that you can also participate in. DoSomething.org, OperationProm.org and BeccasCloset.org are just a few. Instead of having your dresses hanging in the closet, you can make someone`s prom dreams come true.