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Holiday Decorating Ideas for Your New Home

The holiday season is all about celebrating life, sharing joy with loved ones, and ringing in the New Year with the anticipation of new beginnings. As you contemplate rightsizing out of the money pit that was once the family home to embrace the good life at the active adult community of your choice, there is good news: Decking the halls of your new, state of the art apartment will produce the same festive mood you’ve always created for your family. All it takes is a little ingenuity and holiday spirit. Fa la la la la la. Rest assured, holiday decorating in your apartment need not wreak havoc on your lovely, clutter free retirement life. It’s all about thinking outside the box of ornaments to maximize available space. Smaller scale décor will easily integrate into your living space and create the desired impact. Here are a few holiday decorating ideas to spruce up your apartment – without a huge spruce. Deck the Walls with Holiday Cards Gather up those holiday cards filled with the faces of your precious family and fashion a holiday collage that can be easily displayed on an empty wall. You’ll save space and turn a blank wall into a warm, inviting focal point for guests. Apartment Christmas Lights You may not have room for a holiday scene featuring Santa and the reindeer, but you can certainly add instant holiday cheer by strategically stringing lights around the apartment. Get the kids to come over and help reach the high points of the ceiling. Holiday lighting will take up zero space and add just the right amount of twinkle. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow Whether the weather outside is frightful or not, you can design a backdrop of snowflakes to warm up the season. Snowflake stickers from Amazon are space saving, cost effective and fun. Go Mini on the Mantle Holiday life after retirement most likely will not include a humongous tree in your living room. But that is precisely why there are mantels. Decorate that fireplace with mini trees, menorahs, and your other favorite seasonal objects. Don’t forget the few cherished tree ornaments that pack a punch of sentimental value. Then pull up your favorite chair and savor the spirit. The Nitty Gritty Details In a smaller space, the tiniest details can make all the difference. Load up on wintry, holiday knick-knacks, and scatter them on bookshelves or end tables. Create a holiday centerpiece for the dining area table. There are so many available nooks and crannies you may have overlooked. The side panel on the kitchen island is just begging to be adorned. Bedazzle the Bedroom The living room décor is for guests. The bedroom is for you. Something as simple as a green garland on the wall behind the bed can add just the right amount of holiday pizazz. Set the Tone with Door Décor Get the holiday spirit flowing as soon as your guests get to your door, and keep it going with decorations on the inside as well. Simple and elegant, or artsy and colorful, the style is up to you. Whatever door décor you choose will be both inviting and space friendly. Every day is a celebration of retirement life at Overture’s premier active adult communities . ‘Book a tour today. Tis the season to find out just how jolly retirement life can be. Ho Ho Ho.

Maintaining Wellness in the Colder Weather for Seniors

Mother Nature is very sneaky. She regales us with the splendor of fall. Then, just as we are enjoying the lovely brisk autumn temperatures and magnificent annual foliage extravaganza, she drops the hammer. The combination of limited daylight and plummeting temperatures can seriously impact senior citizen wellness. Maintaining physical and mental health and wellness during these frigid months can be challenging for older adults. Here are a few tips to help keep seniors healthy – and feisty – all winter long. Keep It Moving If the thought of bundling up and taking a walk in the cold has about as much appeal as a root canal, fear not. Isn’t this why they made shopping malls? Grab a buddy and get your daily steps in while checking out the latest fashions, purses, or electronics. Between indoor strolls, roll out the yoga mat. Even better, if you are lucky enough to live in one of Overture’s premier active adult communities, you can hit the gym or sign up for any one of the wide variety of classes to energize your body and spirit. There are so many different types of indoor activities, and aversion to the cold is not a viable excuse to become couch-bound. Simply put: Use it or lose it. Dress Appropriately For those sturdier souls who plan to maintain an outdoor walking schedule through the winter months, the key is appropriate clothing. Dressing in layers is a great way to stay warm and shed items if you begin to overheat. Thermal undergarments will keep you warm from the inside out and help conserve energy. Hats and gloves are a critical piece of the winter clothing strategy. If you’re talking about weather in the teens, a face covering will also be helpful. That said, even the hardiest among us needs to know when it is just too cold to venture out. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes Nothing will protect you more outdoors in the winter than the right pair of shoes, or boots. If you are negotiating terrain slippery from sleet or snow, be sure to choose footwear that is non-slip, durable, and warm. Walking with confidence will save you from falls and serious injury. If you will be traipsing through snow, be sure to wear waterproof boots. Your walk should be about enjoying the company and scenery, not the agony of your wet feet. A Balanced Diet A balanced diet is a critical part of senior citizen health and wellness all year round. But in the winter months, it is even more imperative to shore up the immune system with protein, fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. Your doctor might even advise a vitamin D supplement to make up for the lack of sunshine exposure. It’s worth a conversation on your next visit. Socialize Your walking shoes may keep your blood flowing, but your emotional health needs nourishment as well. For seniors especially, staying healthy in the winter months means staying connected socially. Reach out to friends and family and make dates to get together even if it’s just for coffee and conversation. If the family is out of town, schedule phone calls, and FaceTime sessions to stay in touch. At any of Overture’s active adult communities, you can laugh away the winter blahs with friends at happy hour, enjoy a silly rom-com, or just get together for hot chocolate and a card game. With potential friends everywhere you look, Overture’s 55 and over communities offer the best of all winter worlds. Schedule a tour of an Overture active adult community today. No matter what the weather, you can be sure the welcome will be warm.

Tips on Hosting Thanksgiving in Your New Home

“Small cheer and great welcome make a merry feast,” said William Shakespeare. Obviously, he is saying that holiday bliss does not pivot on square footage. Thanksgiving can be joyous and meaningful wherever the love is. Leave it to Will to reassure any senior under the misapprehension that rightsizing into an apartment means hosting Thanksgiving is, well…not to be. Now that you are living the ultimate retirement life in a premier active adult community, hosting Thanksgiving may be a little different, but no less special. Yes, there will be less space. But with a little advance planning, your celebration will be the, um… stuffing new memories are made of. Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving in an apartment. Prep is Paramount Cut down on kitchen crowding by preparing as much of the meal in advance as you can. Items like casseroles, desserts, gravies and other side dishes can be cooked the day before. Other elements of the meal can be cooked and frozen in the weeks before the holiday to cut down on game day stress. The less work you save for Thanksgiving, the more time – and space -you will have to enjoy your guests. Creative Décor Centerpieces don’t have to be massive to be beautiful. A creative and compact design can have the same impact. Add space saving holiday décor on walls and across windows to set the mood. Creative Seating When you rightsized into empty nester paradise, there’s a good chance your humongous old dining room table didn’t make the cut. But you don’t need a table that seats 20 to host a warm and wonderful gathering. Instead, pull up a few extra chairs to the main table, and spread the remaining guests out over a card table or two. They will actually love the opportunity for more intimate conversation in small groupings. If you are short on folding chairs, ask family and friends to grab theirs and bring them along. Disposable Tableware Nothing plagues Thanksgiving hosts like the sheer volume of dishes and silverware. Now that your storage – and dishwasher – space is limited, instead of dealing with the mess, and the stress of the mess, consider purchasing stylish disposable flatware, plates and napkins. The design of disposable table goods has evolved by leaps and bounds. There are a lot of lovely choices to make your meal elegant and cleanup easy. Potluck is Popular Whether you are hosting family, a Thanksgiving for seniors in your community, or a combination of both, your guests will love contributing to the feast. Potluck serves the dual purpose of taking some of the pressure of the host, while creating an atmosphere that makes everybody feel involved and included. When guests bring their favorite appetizer, veggie, side dish or dessert, the meal comes together with minimal effort. You may even take the concept of outsourcing one step further and order the turkey in. Just think of the time and aggravation saved before, during and after the celebration. With the right planning and preparation, your fabulous Overture apartment will become the site of new Thanksgiving traditions for your friends and family. Now that you live in a resort worthy environment, you can top off the evening with a family sojourn around Overture’s perfectly manicured grounds. Your waistline will thank you. And remember, as Oscar Wilde said, “After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”

The Best Sites to See While in Houston This Fall

Up north, they are taking the outdoor dining tables inside and loading up on hot chocolate. Winter is coming and it will soon be time to hunker down indoors until spring. But for those in retirement communities in Houston, fall means the party is just getting started. Say goodbye to sweltering heat, and hello to weather that will make you want to get outside and celebrate. Between the packed schedule of fall festivals and events, waterfront activities and outdoor recreation galore, ‘tis the peak season for independent senior living in Houston. Check out a few fall activities that will make you wish you called an over 55 active adult community in Houston home. Texas Renaissance Festival Delighting over ½ million visitors annually, the Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest of its kind in the country. This 70-acre renaissance party features live performances, artisan vendors, authentic costumes, and plenty of food and fun for everyone. The festivities run every weekend through the end of November. Each weekend has its own theme. Choose a retirement community in Houston and celebrate the old days with your new friends. The Kemah Boardwalk Hop in the car and travel about 30 miles to the Kemah Boardwalk. This 60-acre Gulf Coast theme park is built entirely along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. Visiting grandkids will love this outing but you don’t need them to enjoy a day on the water. Area attractions include the Kemah Marina and the Boardwalk Fantasea Yacht tours. Book a Food Tour Fall is the perfect time to book a food tour. Beginning at Houston’s Historic Market Square Park, you will enjoy learning about Houston’s rich history, architecture, and cultural diversity. This is not to mention culinary experiences at some of the city’s most famous restaurants. The popular Astroville Food Tours feature three restaurant stops, during which you will sample a variety of different foods. It’s a truly delicious way to enjoy a gorgeous fall day. Take a Segway Tour No need to sit in a boring bus to get a tour of nearby Galveston. Hop on your own personal segway and cruise through a variety of cool themed tours. Take the “Rat Pack” tour and relive the glory day of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, and the gang. Take a sunset tour along the city’s seawall or book the Magical History Tour and learn the secrets of Galveston’s notorious past. It’s a great way to absorb history and scenery while enjoying the fabulous fall weather. A Walk in the Park Independent senior living in Houston is enhanced by the city’s 50,000 acres of green spaces. Filled with waterfalls, fountains, footbridges, sculptures, waterside walkways, and gorgeous views, Houston’s parks offer endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want to go for a brisk exercise walk, play golf, or just pull up a bench to read a good book or hang with a buddy, fall is the perfect time to take advantage of Mother Nature’s gifts at one of Houston’s many outdoor playgrounds. Overture Sugar Land is specifically focused on providing superior independent senior living in Houston. Arrange a tour of Overture Sugar Land today. Winter, spring, summer or fall, Overture and Houston is a winning combination for all seasons.

Senior Activities for Those Moving to Orange County

When Orange County was named, it didn’t have very many oranges. And then it did. And now it doesn’t. The name was adopted officially in 1889 in the hopes it would stimulate growth of the then fledgling industry. The plan worked. Migrant workers poured in and by the turn of the century, oranges became the county’s main crop. But thanks to a century of land development, few of the millions of orange trees that once flourished remain. Ironic. But the good news is, while Orange County may lack, well…oranges, it exceeds expectations in all other areas with its near perfect weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. Small wonder retirement communities in southern California are where the action is. As residents of those 55 and over communities in southern California will surely tell you, Orange County is the ultimate blend of hip and historic. With its many active and arty downtown areas, maritime attractions, and of course Disneyland, Orange County is a treasure trove of leisure destinations. Check out these Orange County activities. You will immediately understand why for those lucky enough to live in a retirement community in southern California, there is never a dull moment. Old Town Orange Old Town Orange is the largest nationally recognized historic district in California. Spending a day among the antique shops, specialty shops, and restaurants is like taking a stroll back in time. The small-town ambiance is reminiscent of Mayberry. You’ll find yourself looking for Aunt Bea and Sheriff Taylor. After lunch, take a drive through the surrounding historic neighborhoods to discover artistically restored homes, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dana Point Harbor Dana Point Harbor is the ultimate destination for any and all waterfront activities. Try your hand at whale watching, sailing, paddle boarding, fishing or – for the more daring among you – parasailing. Set among the backdrop of more than 2500 vessels, the harbor features the Ocean Institute and its full-sized replica of the 19th century tall ship “Pilgrim.” There are also a myriad of special events throughout the year including the TallShips Festival in September and the Festival of Whales in February. As a hub of shopping, restaurants and activities, Dana Point Harbor ranks high on the to-do list. San Juan Capistrano Spend the day at the historic village of San Juan Capistrano. Explore the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, including its exhibits, museum, chapel and gift shop. Visit the nearby Los Rios Historic District and discover well preserved adobes from the late 16th century. Costa Mesa Artwalk Tour Get your daily quota of steps in while enjoying the Costa Mesa Artwalk tour. Start at California Scenario, also known as the Noguchi Garden, sculpted by the famous Isamu Noguchi. The tour will lead you to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Westin South Coast Plaza. It winds up at the South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping center on the west coast. Take your pick from30 restaurants for an après tour meal or snack. Whale and Dolphin Watching Grab a few new friends from your new 55+ retirement community in southern California and book a whale and dolphin watching tour. There are lots of different ticket options as well as discounts for seniors, and kids. Check it out with your buddies and then thrill the grandkids when they visit. Rancho Santa Margarita is Overture’s premier active adult community in southern California. Call to arrange a tour today. What could be better than resort worthy surroundings in the resort capital of the country? Orange County may not have as many orange trees as its name would imply, but when it comes to retirement paradise, well…you couldn’t ask for a better place to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Fun in the sun awaits

Best Books to Cozy Up With This Autumn

Running to work. Running to get the kids to school on time. Running to get errands done in that one hour on the weekend when you weren’t driving carpool. Pre-retirement life was all about running - and running out of time. You were lucky to find a few precious minutes to sit down, let alone enough peaceful solitude to sit down with a good book. Now that your time is your own, you can relax to your heart’s content, while exploring the world, learning something new, or just immersing yourself in a good old fashioned bodice ripper. The list of good books for older adults is endless. Check out these fall book recommendations and get ready to flex your imagination muscles. Best Novels for Older Adults Horse by Geraldine Brooks You just can’t go wrong with Geraldine Brooks. This time she has crafted a saga based on the true story of the greatest racehorse in American history. Spanning over 150 years, this book is a beautiful and moving story but also a hard look at slavery and the 19 th century south. Combining art, science and love with the ugliness of racism through America’s past and present, Horse is a page turner that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. Little by Edward Carey Tourists all over the world have been enjoying the fruits of Madame Tussaud’s labors for decades. Little explores the life of this amazing woman within the context of the French Revolution. Her nickname was Little because of her stature, but her influence on the art world was huge. Her humble beginnings and the subsequent trials of her early life fill the pages of this engrossing novel. Hers is a story of perseverance and survival in a world stacked against her. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus It’s the early 1960s and single mom and brilliant chemist Elizabeth Zott battles misogynism in the scientific community. Her journey leads her to hosting a television cooking show and the rest is, as they say, zany history. This book is filled with humor and Zott’s perspective during the early stages of the women’s movement. Those of a certain age will recall that era and enjoy reliving it with this formidable, no-nonsense heroine. The Extinction Trials by A. G. Riddle Get your sci-fi on with The Extinction Trials, another futuristic adventure by AG Riddle. After a mysterious global event, six strangers wake up in a research facility only to learn they are to restart the human race. Written in Riddle’s signature style, this book is filled with humor and weaves a spellbinding story that makes so much sense you almost believe it can be true. If you like this genre, check out his other bestsellers. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Written by Amor Towles, author of the bestselling “A Gentleman in Moscow,” The Lincoln Highway is one of those books that reads like a ride in a 50s convertible on a beautiful spring day. It’s a story of brothers, and family, and coming of age. It starts in 1954 and is one of the best fall reads - especially for those who can remember the car designs from that year. So, step one: Figure out where to park your favorite reading chair in your new Overture apartment. Step two: Settle into said favorite chair, grab a book that speaks to you, and enjoy. Most importantly, don’t forget that “Do Not Disturb” sign. You’ve earned it.