Trying to do Black Friday? Here’s My Advice. :-)

I’m not even totally certain any of you went shopping this morning. In fact, this was my first year not partaking in the insanity.

My primary motivation to go in the past was not to get a 42″ LCD HDTV or a new laptop, but actually to people watch. Black Friday really brings out the carnal instincts in people– it’s utterly fascinating. Why go on a safari when you can goto the mall? It’s really like a large-scale Running of the Brides.

(For those of you who don’t know, Running of the Brides refers to the yearly wedding dress sale at -I think- Filene’s Basement? It’s super intense and probably a tad more violent than Black Friday. I say this because women are fiercer shoppers than men for the most part.)

But today is a really good day to get a great deal. I advise you all to think of those you have to buy presents for this holiday season and browse online. It can be overwhelming, so I’ll recommend the following websites as the hub of easy-black-friday shopping. ALSO- Note that the deals are just as good this Monday (they call it Cyber Monday). So really, this is a great weekend to get everything done. Most stores are offering free shipping as well- something to consider.

http://www.BFads.com – It has the Black Friday ads and info for every major retailer. Also, some tips.

http://www.Amazon.com – New product every 15-30 minutes is on their Lightning Deals page. I saw Blu-Ray DVDs for only $4.99 (great titles!) as well as some sweet TVs if you’re going for the gold. They also had a Kindle this morning for $89 (say WHAT!)

http://www.BordersRewardsPerks.com – If you are a Borders Rewards member, log in and check out what they have to offer. It’s much better than you think– and check your email, they sent a 50% off any item to be used in-store this weekend. You don’t need to be in their Plus+ program to take advantage of some great offers.

And watch for Cyber Monday! I’ll be posting some deals to our FB page as well: http://www.Facebook.com/NBAInsurance.

Enjoy! Happy Turkey and be safe!

If you’re looking for a quote, look no further. Email Liz@NBAInsurance.com or call 1-781-871-5414 for more details.

Vegatarians and Vegans UNITE! Carnivores may pout. What is the Adopt-A-Turkey cause all about?

Do you enjoy your Tofurkey?

Then you’ll probably enjoy the Adopt-A-Turkey Project.

(Isn’t that photo hilarious?)

Most people I talk to are on extreme poles of the issue. Do you rescue and adopt a turkey for Christmas with a small $30 donation to the site? Or, do you eat your turkey with pride?

Here’s a blurb from their mission:

End the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through our annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about their plight, and provided resources for a cruelty-free holiday. For a one-time $30 donation, anyone can sponsor turkeys residing at Farm Sanctuary. Sponsor a turkey and receive a special adoption certificate in your name – or give sponsorships as gifts for family and friends. Donations are also needed to support our lifesaving efforts to promote a compassionate Thanksgiving and protect all farm animals.

Source: http://www.AdoptaTurkey.org/

Chocolate to go… *drumroll* EXTINCT! Say what!

I wish that were an exaggeration.

[Above: A Castle Made out of Chocolate from Japan Probe].

I’ve never been *much* of a chocaholic, but if the opportunity presented itself, I’d be hardpressed to turn down a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup or a Godiva Truffle.

But I can’t go thinking the offers will keep coming. Not when The Independent published an article called, “Chocolate: Worth its Weight in Gold?”

In as little as 20 years, chocolate will no longer be so affordable.

The following is taken directly from The Independent article:

“In 20 years chocolate will be like caviar. It will become so rare and so expensive that the average Joe just won’t be able to afford it.”

The article credits the increasingly overwhelming consumer demand for chocolate, diseased crops from the Ivory Coast (the main source for cocoa), and difficult-to-grow-crops in the other areas. Space is limited as well since chocolate is only grown within 10 degrees north-and-south of the equator.

Here’s some silver linings: Maybe this will solve obesity? Maybe we’ll appreciate it more?… who knows!

Call us (1-781-871-5414) or email for a free quote: Liz@NBAInsurance.com! And don’t forget to tell your friends, Like Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. 😉

[Source: The Independent].

Really Cool Stuff: Norwell, MA Resident Writes Book on Local History

So for a while now, I have been trying to write a book. I’m actually getting somewhere finally. I’m doing this for my Master’s Thesis in English. The comic to the right kind of sums up how my experience began.

Then, reading WickedLocal.com – my source for local news online – I came across an article on a local writer and his journey writing a book about the town- a topic that has literally been staring at me in my face for the twenty-odd years I’ve lived here.

Local Norwell, MA resident Sam Olson wrote Narrative of South Scituate & Norwell (1849-1963) Remembering its Past and the World Around it. My first thought, of course, is that this would be a great Christmas gift to any long-time Norwell resident. My own family has been here for over fifty years! (Wow.) And it also brings me hope that just because I’m from a small town, doesn’t mean I am capable of only small things.

The following passage has been taken from WickedLocal.com’s article on the story:

Olson said his goal for the book is “to make Norwell history more understandable” for Norwell residents and those curious about the town’s history.  And the goal of the historical society, who’s sponsoring the book’s publication, is merely to make the information accessible and available to Norwell residents, both adults and children.

Quite honestly, I know very little about my town’s history even though I have lived here my whole life. It wouldn’t be fair of me to speak for others my age who have lived here their whole lives, but it may be true for them as well: the only thing I really know of my town’s history is that it was once known as South Scituate and that there is a Historical House on Norwell Avenue called “The Norwell House.” And I think it’s because the founder of Norwell (Henry Norwell?) lived there sometime in the 19th century. I emphasize the I think part of that statement.

For curious readers, there will be a book release party hosted by the Norwell Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 12, from 7-9 p.m., at the Cushing Center. At the party you can also pick up a copy of The ABC’s of Norwell which is written by Gertrude Daneau — which seems like an easy-to-understand handy guide to understanding the town’s personality through local landmarks and stories.

If you’d rather buy online, you can find it at Amazon: A Narrative of South Scituate & Norwell (1849-1963) Remembering its Past and the World Around it by Sam Olson.

Call us (1-781-871-5414) or email for a free quote: Liz@NBAInsurance.com! And don’t forget to tell your friends, Like Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter! 😉

Protect the Puppies with AAA! Really… you can! :-)

Are you getting the most out of AAA?

Who could refuse Pet Injury Protection?? How could you NOT want to better protect your puppies and kittens?!!

Do you have AAA? And did you neglect to tell us? FOR SHAME.

You are missing out on a slew of coverages you get when you have both Commerce Auto Insurance and a AAA membership!! (Not to mention, there’s a sweet little discount involved!) You get the following coverages… [all stolen directly from Commerce’s website] — including Personal Property Coverage AND Pet Injury Coverage!!

• Personal belongings replacement up to $250, Cell phone replacement coverage up to $200, & laptop computer replacement coverage up to $1,000. (If there is evidence –damage to your door/windows– to show it was stolen from your vehicle… and I think it also covers for GPS theft).
• Substitute transportation limit purchased is increased by an additional $30 per day up to a maximum of $900 (You must have rental coverage already on your policy of $15/day — it’s pretty inexpensive, so call us for a quote! 781-871-5414).
• Up to $250 per day loss of earning payment due to hearing/trial attendance at Commerce’s request
• For repairs, the glass deductible will be waived, if glass coverage is provided. (Glass is provided through the Comprehensive coverage section!)
• Pet injury coverage up to $500 for your veterinary fees or $500 for your pet’s burial fees (cats and dogs only)
• Bail bonds payment increased to $500
• Seat belt death benefit of $5,000
• Seat belt and air bag death benefit of $10,000
• Waiver of collision deductible if other vehicle is responsible
• Replacement cost coverage on new vehicles

Call us (1-781-871-5414) or email for a free quote: Liz@NBAInsurance.com! And don’t forget to tell your friends, Like Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

[Source: CommerceInsurance.com]

Take Insurance 101 with Commerce Insurance (And no, this does not involve going back to school).

If you have ever explored the Commerce Insurance website, (and I’m willing to bet you haven’t) you might have noticed a link called “Insurance 101.”

One of my primary responsibilities as “insurance-agent” is to answer customer questions like “What does Bodily Injury Coverage really cover?” And “Why would anyone need such high limits?” Etc etc. Of course I don’t mind answering the questions — it makes me feel smarter actually, but I thought I’d share this resource with you. Especially since some of you may feel shy about asking.

Insurance 101 provides answers to these common questions in everyday terms for both auto and home insurance policies. It makes insurance way more user-friendly and gives consumers a better idea of what they’re getting in terms of coverage.

But of course- if you do have any questions, you can always ask us too! If you can’t tell, I love to talk.

Call us (1-781-871-5414) or email for a free quote: Liz@NBAInsurance.com! And don’t forget to tell your friends, Like Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. 😉

[Source: CommerceInsurance.com]

GetRaised.com – A Charming Solution to Asking for a Raise (Pretty cool stuff!)

OK- So have you ever had that awkward feeling at work? You think to yourself, “It’s been x amount of years that I’ve worked like a crazy person. And I still only make $X amount of dollars per year??”

It is an awkward feeling. You love your job. You love your coworkers. You may even be lucky enough to love the work you do! But then you think, shouldn’t I be making more money?

Well, the Internet always has an answer. This answer comes from GetRaised.com. This website is truly brilliant.

On your first trip to http://www.GetRaised.com, you go through some prompts to Get Started. At this juncture, the Deus ex Machina built-in to their site tells you whether you are overpaid or underpaid, or paid what you deserve. They base this on your occupation, current salary, and interestingly enough, your zip code.

That is the free service they offer. If it turns out you are underpaid, GetRaised.com offers you a written letter (costs $20) you can email or hand to your employer requesting a raise. They do not send it on your behalf, but rather provide you with the copy needed to give to your boss.

After providing you with this letter, they also give you a 100% money-back guaranty that you will get a raise within the next six months. If you don’t, you get your money-back. Seriously.

If you’re curious, like I was, check out www.GetRaised.com to see what they’re all about. The entire website itself is actually quite charming. And they have a very helpful FAQ Section.