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Review Brooks & Crowley
December 2024
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
MERRY MADNESS Why I Love the Holidays in Boston
Check out Neil’s book, “8 Costly Errors That Insurance Companies Want You To Make” at brooksandcrowley. com/reports/8-costly-errors- that-insurance-companies- want-you-to-make.cfm
When the holidays roll around — like a boulder in a Santa hat shouting Christmas carols — it is New England’s time to shine.
I always enjoy taking an evening stroll, checking out the lights on the Common and Public Garden and all of the decorated homes and businesses. When I take the T into the TD Garden this time of year, I like to get off a few stops early and walk through Faneuil Hall to see the holiday sights. Some people like to get away to somewhere tropical for the holidays. I wonder if I did that that I would feel as though Christmas didn’t happen. I always feel sorry seeing people in tropical locales singing Christmas carols near palm trees. It just seems wrong. I love the excitement of Boston during the holidays, catching up with family and friends, and enjoying the season’s long-held traditions together. ornaments. Whether we are headed abroad or somewhere in America, we grab an ornament to remind us of our travels. Among those we have personally collected, there are also a smattering of ornaments we have inherited, either from my parents or my wife’s parents, which serve as wistful reminders of the loved ones who raised us. Once the Christmas tree goes up each December, it is decorated with our smorgasbord of ornaments, which serve as mementos of pleasant escapades, recent and distant. THE GIFT OF PROCRASTINATION I love giving and receiving gifts over the holiday season, as it’s a great way to show appreciation and love for those closest to you. These days, I like to consider myself an efficient gift-giver, but that was not always the case. Years ago, I always procrastinated until the last moment before pulling the trigger on a gift purchase. I played with fire for years, waiting until the last minute and pulling through unscathed — but one year I finally got burned. That time, when I was particularly late with my holiday shopping, I only realized on Christmas Eve that I had not picked out a gift for Diane, my then-girlfriend (and current wife). I had ruminated for SPARKLING SOUVENIRS In our family, whenever we go on a trip, we tend to look for a particular kind of souvenir: Christmas
weeks about what to get her and knew what I wanted to get. However, we were shorthanded at work and something came up that took the whole afternoon. Panic set in. Just about every store was closed. I rushed to the mall and found that the stores were shuttered except one, and that one had its grate halfway down. When I asked if they were open, however, the woman behind the grate told me she had not had a day off since Thanksgiving, then slammed the grate closed. Fair enough, I thought. Not her issue. But definitely mine. Retail workers were particularly unsympathetic to my plight.
As I drove around, I thought, how could this have happened? It’s not as though Christmas subtly sneaks up on someone. There has to be some type of store open. As it turned out, the only stores still open were jewelry stores . And not cheap mall ones.
The clerk seemed amused that there were only male shoppers in the store. There I was at the annual meeting of the (very) last-minute shoppers club, each of us coming to the realization that the only option was purchasing quality jewelry. I spent about 10 times more than I had anticipated on a pair of diamond earrings. She loved them. Luckily, she and the earrings are still around. It was an expensive but lasting reminder to pick out my gifts well before the last minute. Don’t get me wrong. It is never a mistake to buy a quality gift for a special person. The “sticker shock” wore off quickly when I saw Diane’s face after she opened her present. Both of us got a surprise that year!
Happy Holidays to all of you.
–Neil Crowley
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Don’t Fear the Fat Why Your Body Needs Omega-Packed Foods
The word “fat” might sound like something to avoid on your wellness journey, but not all fats are created equal. Certain unsaturated fats are essential
does it contain omega fats, which support a healthy nervous system, heart, and brain, but it also contains quality protein and multiple nutrients. By adding
get the nutrient booster you need to maintain weight, reduce heart disease risk, control blood sugar, and improve brain function. NUTS Nuts are heart-healthy snacks that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial monounsaturated fats. When you incorporate these into your diet, your heart will benefit. Studies have found that nuts can help reduce the risk of diabetes and lower cholesterol levels. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are all wonderful options to try out. Just make sure you moderate how much you eat, as they are high in calories. These nutrient-packed foods taste great and provide essential benefits to keep your heart, brain, and body functioning at their best. So, next time you prepare your plate, don’t fear fats! Embrace the healthy ones that fuel your body.
for keeping your heart strong, brain sharp, and energy levels steady. Knowing which fats to add to your plate can take your health goals to the next level. Get ready for a healthy serving of omega fats as
this tasty and popular fish to your plate, you can reap a wealth of benefits like lower cholesterol levels, healthy blood pressure, strong bones, improved brain function, and reduced risk of stroke, just to name a few.
we explore three of the best foods to fuel your body and improve your overall well-being.
AVOCADO Avocados are a superfood, and while they are high in fat, they’re the
SALMON Salmon is one of the best sources of omega fats and one of the most nutrient-rich foods you can find on the whole planet. Not only
good kind. This creamy and indulgent fruit also contains a high amount of vitamin E and provides a healthy serving of dietary fiber. Add this green superstar to salads or toast to
What You Need to Know About Car Accident Claims
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Massachusetts, the last thing you are probably worried about is the particularities of our state laws on the subject. However, our state has unique laws that are important to consider in the aftermath of a car accident, especially if you are considering filing a claim for damages related to the event. From how long you have to file a claim after the accident to what it means to live in a no-fault state, we have you covered! NO-FAULT STATE When it comes to car accidents, Massachusetts is one of just 12 no-fault states in the country . In no-fault states, in addition to car insurance, all motorists must purchase a minimum of $8,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and up to 75% of your lost wages, as well as Bodily Injury insurance, for a minimum of $20,000 per person, and $40,000 per accident in coverage.
While this is the minimum amount of coverage, you can also purchase additional coverage if you wish to secure additional protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, in no-fault states, regardless of who caused the accident, PIP will pay for expenses incurred by the driver and motorists of your vehicle up to the policy limit. However, if your medical expenses resulting from another driver’s negligence exceed $2,000, you can file a bodily injury claim to secure damages from the negligent driver’s insurance company. ADDITIONAL PROTECTION In addition to the mandatory coverage all motorists in Massachusetts must have, there is also the option of buying uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage will protect you if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, which can otherwise result in costly damages with fewer ways to seek reimbursement for your damages.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS According to the general laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Title V, Chapter 260, §2A, all actions must be taken within the three years following your car accident. If you fail to file before then, you will be ineligible to seek additional damages from your accident.
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NATURAL STEPPING STONES TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS
EAT, DON’T DRINK, YOUR CALORIES. An 8-ounce glass of Coke has the same 100 calories as four medium-size carrots, but the Coke won’t sate your hunger. The high- fiber carrots, however, will ease that hollow feeling for a while. To help you feel satisfied throughout the day, add fiber-rich foods such as whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice, veggies, fruits like apples and oranges, and potatoes to your diet. FIND ENJOYABLE WAYS TO EXERCISE. Sustaining physical activity is important in maintaining a healthy weight, but your workouts don’t have to be a forced march. Find ways to reward yourself as you move, such as walking in your favorite park or listening to great music or podcasts on the treadmill. If finding an excellent personal trainer motivates you to get to the gym, then budget for that. Whatever it takes, your health is worth the effort!
About 40% of Americans consider themselves overweight, driving rapid growth in both prescription and non-prescription weight-loss drugs and supplements. However, the best route to lasting weight loss for many people is more straightforward and costs less. Here are four natural ways to manage your appetite and shed pounds without pricey prescription meds or supplements. EAT MORE PROTEIN. High-protein foods make you feel fuller for longer and help you consume fewer calories overall without the sugar rebound you get from carb-heavy snacks. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass while losing weight; muscle burns more calories than fat! Enjoy high-protein Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken, turkey, and fish to feel satisfied on less. DRINK MORE LIQUIDS. Many people neglect hydration and mistake thirst for hunger. While there is no one-
size-fits-all rule, according to the National Academy of Medicine, men need about 13 cups of water a day, and women need about nine, including the water and juices in fruits and vegetables. Staying well-hydrated will help keep your energy level high, your skin moist and radiant, and your mood upbeat.
Have a Laugh!
Chicken Caprese Salad Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
directions
1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 My Bostonian Holiday Traditions 2 The Essential Fats You Need on Your Plate Need-to-Know Info on Car Accident Claims 3 Shed Pounds Without Dieting
Chicken Caprese Salad
4 The Best Local Events This Holiday Season
A December to Remember Boston’s Best Holiday Events
Like a flying sleigh, the holidays have snuck up on us. Whether you are an adult looking to drink hot chocolate and don a ridiculous sweater or a kid impatiently waiting to rip through their gift-wrapped presents, Christmas is many people’s favorite holiday. If you are looking for
a unique way to celebrate the holiday season and send off the year in fantastic fashion, here are three events you should jot down on your calendar this December. SEE THE GRINCH If your kids have been singing, “You’re a mean one,” and substituting your name for “Mr. Grinch,” it may be time to take them to the comedic musical play “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This classic Christmas story is being performed on stage at the Wang Theater at the Boch Center daily, starting on Dec. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are selling fast, so reserve your seat while you can!
official Christmas tree at the Boston Common, which was officially lit on Dec. 5. The iconic Christmas tree is selected from Nova Scotia each year as a mark of appreciation from the Canadian region for Boston’s help following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The tradition has been going strong for more than half a century. holiday spirit, then you may want to make your yearly migration to the Stone Zoo, where the ZooLights experience has transformed it into a winter-themed wonderland, with countless lights and decorations adorning the exhibits and bringing Christmas cheer to the wonderful animals and park-goers alike. The ZooLights will be up and running until Jan. 5, so make sure to catch a glance before they are switched off for the year. THE STONE ZOO If you are just bear-ly able to get into the
BOSTON’S CHRISTMAS TREE If you are looking for an illuminating
experience to get you in the holiday spirit, then there is no better way than visiting Boston’s
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