Summer Guide to U-Pick Lewin’s Farm!

Summer Guide to U-Pick Lewin’s Farm!

Summer is here and that only means one thing, fresh summer produce! If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, check out one of Long Island’s many “U-Pick” farms on the east end! With a wide variety of choices ranging from blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and more, you and your family are sure to find something you all love!

Lewin’s farm on Sound Avenue in Calverton offers many fun, family activities along with their “U-Pick” farm experience.

Even if you don’t feel like picking your own produce, Lewin’s offers a huge farm stand of already picked fresh produce right at your fingertips.

While there, make sure to take a drive down Sound Avenue and see what other farms and stands can offer you.

Its summer fun for the whole family, don’t miss out on this year’s summer picking season.

Lewin Farm
812 Sound Avenue
Calverton, NY 11933
Phone: 631-929-4327

 

Looking for a twist on your weekend breakfast/brunch?

Try some Cheese and Blueberry Danish

What you need:

  • 1 package (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 4 oz. package of cream cheese
  • Sugar to taste
  • ½ cup of Blueberries

How to make it:

  • Heat your oven to 350 degrees
  • Unroll the crescent rolls onto a greased baking sheet
  • Use two triangle pieces to make one square (you will have four at the end)
  • Pinch the seams to hold the dough together
  • In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until it is as sweet as you like
  • Spread a spoonful of cream cheese onto the dough and top with a handful of blueberries
  • Bring opposite corners of rectangles together and press together to seal.
  • Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown

Enjoy!

Natural Ways to Repel Summer Insects

Natural Ways to Repel Summer Insects

Summer time is here once again. Unfortunately, with all the good that summer brings, the warm and humid weather also brings unwanted insects.
Here are some natural and safe remedies to help get rid of these pests and enjoy your summer.

Wasps. Wasps come back as soon as the warm weather turns. The colonies are getting bigger and this results in more aggressive and hungrier insects. These insects have a good quality of eating other dead insects, however they are a huge risk to anyone who is allergic to them. Wasps do not like any type of mint, so growing mint in your garden will be a deterrent. Mint is safe and non-toxic to any pets or children who may accidentally get into it.

Ants. Warm and damp weather is a recipe for ants to come out. Ants can be attracted to anything that spills in your kitchen or on your floors. Once you see one ant, you can bet there are more hanging around. You can make a natural repellent out of white or apple cider vinegar and water. Simply put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.

Mosquito’s. Mosquito’s are a pest that can put a damper on the mood of any party or gathering. They seem to come out of nowhere and keep coming back. A safe and effective way to reduce the mosquito population around your home or yard is to reduce standing water if possible. Standing water is the mosquito’s preferred breeding ground and will bring them into any yard that has standing water. You can also grow mosquito repelling plants such as basil.

Ticks. Ticks are one of the hardest insects to get rid of. They dig into your skin and your pet’s fur and stick. A single adult female can have as many as 4,000 eggs in one sitting. Planting basil can help repel ticks along with a solution of tea tree oil and water. However, be aware, cats can be sensitive to this mixture.

Do you have any suggestions for repelling summer insects? Share them below!

Happy Summer!

 

Backyard Safety

Backyard Safety

Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones and concrete.

When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both, big and small backyards.

When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. Follow the “five S’s” when considering your next purchase:

Surface: Parents should assume children will fall. Be sure to buy equipment that is made of a material with a grip to it such as rubber.

Structure: Be sure that the equipment you buy is made of a sturdy material. Cedar wood works great if you are building your own equipment.

Site: Be sure to place your playset in a safe area. Avoid overhanging trees and area of the yard with direct sunlight.

Safety: Follow directions for installation and don’t cut corners to save time. Make sure to anchor down all posts into the ground and check your equipment often for rusty spots and wear and tear.

Supervision: Place your play set and play area in a place where you can easily monitor what is going on.

Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Not only for your children, but for others too.

 

Cutting Prom Costs

Cutting Prom Costs

Many people fondly remember their high school proms. While proms make great memories, they can also break the bank!

Prom can be an expensive occasion. On average, American families plan to spend $900 on their children’s prom. Here are some helpful tips to help cut costs when it comes to preparing for prom 2017!

Search for deals: Subscribe to mailing lists and download apps such as Living Social or Groupon to find the best deals on flowers, formal wear, and all the extras.

Go supermarket floral: Supermarkets and warehouse clubs may offer discounted prices on flowers, which prom goers can fashion into boutonnieres and corsages. Also, nothing says you cannot pull a beautiful bloom out of your home garden as well!

Be your own paparazzi: Smartphone cameras now have excellent capabilities, and certain apps can apply filters and fix minor flaws easily. Pair with a coupon for discount photo prints, and soon you’ll have a frugal photo memory book or wall portrait.

Savings in numbers: See if a particular vendor will cut costs if you book services with a group of friends. Retailers will guarantee the sales, and prom goers can save some money.

Prom is meant for making memories, not getting in debt. Save money with smart shopping and avoid all the stress!

Happy prom season!

 

Get To Your Destination Faster with some TSA Prep

Get To Your Destination Faster with some TSA Prep

Are you traveling anytime soon? If so, doing a little homework before you travel could save you some serious time at the airport!

For instance, visiting www.tsa.gov the transportation security administrations website can help you learn what items can be packed in carry on and which are best to leave in your check in suit case. You can also learn size requirements for toiletries that are allowed on planes and then find properly sized items in stores.

As a final tip, remember that all carry-on gels, liquids and aerosols need to be placed in a 1 quart, single zip-top, clear plastic bag.

For more information to help make your travel time faster visit www.tsa.gov.

Happy travels!

 

When Was The Last Time You Inspected Your Clothes Dryer?

When Was The Last Time You Inspected Your Clothes Dryer?

When was the last time you inspected your clothes dryer? Failure to do so can pose a safety hazard in your home. Performing a regular maintenance check on your dryer can help promote energy efficiency and keep your dryer running properly for years.

Here are some tips to help maintain your dryer:

  • Inspect dryer and dryer vents every two to three years and clear any dirt or lint buildup.
  • Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting.
  • Clear outdoor vent trap from snow and other debris.
  • Clean the dryer filter after each use.
  • Dry full loads of laundry and you could save $7 each month!

When it is time to upgrade be sure to visit nationalgridus.com for the latest on rebates for energy efficient appliances.

 

Why Do Auto Accidents Occur?

Why Do Auto Accidents Occur?

Automobile accidents are undesired, incidental and unplanned event’s that most of the time can be prevented.
On average there are 27,000 accidents each day across the globe!
You may be asking, so what are the main contributing factors to car accidents?

According to NYS Department of Motor Vehicle, here are the top 9 contributing factors to accidents:

  • Driver Inattention / Distracted Driving (19.1%)
  • Following too closely (17.4%)
  • Failure to yield right of way (15.7%)
  • Unsafe speed (10.9%)
  • Slippery Pavement (10.0%)
  • Improper passing or lane usage (5.3%)
  • Unsafe lane changing (4.3%)
  • Traffic control disregarded (4.1%)
  • Turning improperly (4.0%)

When you are behind the wheel, it is important to be safe. All of these factors leading to accidents are preventable.

If you have any questions in regards to road safety, please give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at (516) 249-5200 and our trained personal lines and commercial lines auto specialists will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Drive safely!

 

The Amazing Health Benefits of Running

The Amazing Health Benefits of Running

This past February, I ran my first 10k race. I ran the Disney Princess 10k in Orlando and it was an amazing experience. The road to the finish line included months of prep.

In this article, I am going to tell you my favorite tips on how to run your best race. After all it isn’t always about coming in first but enjoying your time while gaining amazing health benefits.

1. Make a plan. I found the easiest way to do this was by planning out my workouts so that overtime I would run longer and faster. I also found out that making my lunches on Sunday, not only saved time but guaranteed a healthy lunch every day.

2. Consistency is key. Although cheat days and rest days are necessary, they should be carefully planned. It`s best to use these days when your body is in need of it so that you can recharge. This makes it easier to refocus and still achieve your goals.

3. Make it social. You can do this by running with friends or join a running club. Find people who motivate you and push you towards your goals.

4. Train your mind. If you make diet and running a habitat then you can efficiently incorporate it into your daily life.

5. Keep your goals realistic. Gradually work up to running that full 10 k by adding on distance at a rate that’s best for you. Try a weekly calendar and write down your workouts and meals for each day.

With spring officially here, there are so many races and marathons happening all over Long Island. Some fun runs include the color run or there are also many races for charity. It`s never too late to make running a part of your life.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Helpful Tips For Your Next New Home Move

Helpful Tips For Your Next New Home Move

Every year, 12% of Americans move to new homes. The next time you are among the 12%, you may be able to save time, trouble and money when choosing a professional mover. By choosing a professional mover, you won’t have to worry about renting equipment and handling heavy bulky items all while being responsible if something goes wrong!

Here are six helpful hints to help with your next move:

  1. Be wary of the “guaranteed” estimates offered over the phone or online. Make sure you show the mover everything that needs to be moved, and get at least three estimates to compare.
  2. Check the company’s ratings with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer websites.
  3. Make sure all agreements are in writing and get a copy of everything you sign! Especially the bill of lading. Never sign any blank forms.
  4. Ask questions! If you do not understand something, make sure you have your mover explain everything in detail. Be sure to give your mover your cell phone number so that they can reach you at all times.
  5. Find a certified and insured professional mover.
  6. Last but not least, make sure that your new home is properly insured before moving in. Give an independent insurance agent, like C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call! We can help you with a new homeowners, condo, dwelling, or renter’s policy when it is time for your big move. (516) 249-5200.

Good luck!