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
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:
- 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.
- Check the company’s ratings with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer websites.
- 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.
- 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.
- Find a certified and insured professional mover.
- 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!
Beauty and the Beast – Movie Review by Sandra Costanzo
There is no question why Beauty and the Beast was a box office hit this past weekend. From the wardrobes to the fabulous cast performances, the entire film was truly a fairytale.
From start to finish, I felt that the film stayed true to the original story. Aside from that, I was amazed by the gorgeous wardrobe. My favorite was Belle’s iconic yellow dress. Her dress took 12,000 hours to make. It also required 3,000 feet of thread and 2,160 Swarovski crystals. Talk about glamorous!
Another amazing part of this film was the magical scenes and sets. One of my favorites was the Beast’s castle. His castle was surrounded by and enchanted forest that many of the scenes took place in. This forest featured real trees, hedges and a real frozen lake. The most surprising thing that I learned was there was 20,000 icicles. The enchanted forest also took 15 weeks to complete. Another thing about the Beast’s castle, is that the ballroom floors design is inspired by the ceiling of the Benedictine Abbey in Germany. The detail throughout the film was another touch that made this story even more memorable.
Disney has been on a roll with their live action remakes and this one if just as magical. It’s the perfect film for all the young and the young at heart. If you’ve seen it already, comment on what your favorite part was!
Written by: Sandra Costanzo
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas – Without Breaking The Bank!
It’s important to make your significant other feel special on Valentine’s Day. In fact, it’s even better when you don’t have to break the bank for it.
Here are some inexpensive yet thoughtful date ideas to try this Valentine’s Day:
- Dine in before going out. Heading out to a restaurant on Valentine ’s Day is a recipe for fighting off crowds. You can easily avoid this by ordering in your favorite food or even cooking dinner for that special someone. Not only will you feel relaxed and comfortable in your own home but you will be saving money too.
- Consider using coupons. Using restaurant coupons on a first date is a bit awkward. However, for long term couples who are comfortable with each other, this could work to save the both of you a little bit of money.
- Splurge on cocktails and dessert. Instead of spending on a huge meal, eat and spend light on your main course. Then, head out or even stay in, and enjoy more of your favorite mixed drink and sweet treat!
- If concert and theater tickets are out of your range of spending, try going to an art gallery, wine tasting or even the movie theater. In most places these centers are open late.
- If you are looking to have a unique and reasonably priced Valentine’s Day, try some of these money saving options.
Happy Valentine’s Day from C.H. Edwards, Inc.!
Cut Your Energy Costs
It’s a New Year, and now is the perfect time to cut back on your energy costs. Taking the steps to cut your energy costs will not only save you money, but it will save our resources and the planet.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make sure your home is sealed during the winter to avoid wasting heat. Close all fireplace dampers, windows, and make sure any cracks are sealed.
- Cool your home naturally in the summer by opening windows on cool nights.
- On nice days, hang your laundry out to dry instead of using the dryer.
- Replace regular incandescent light bulbs and fixtures with Energy Star qualified fluorescent lights.
- Unplug any appliances or devices that you are not using. Although they are not on, they are still drawing energy.
- Replace your old refrigerator. Refrigerators made before 1993 could be costing $140 a year in electricity. Even refrigerators built between 1993 and 2001 cost about $60 a year to run. By comparison, a new Energy Star rated refrigerator runs on about $20 a year.
- Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full to avoid running it multiple times in a day.
Everybody wants a little more money in their pockets. Attempting to save on energy will help you! You could save over $900 a year just by doing the basics. Imagine how much more you could save by finding more ways to save on your energy.