Blog Posts

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

Spring has sprung. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and you’re most likely ready to give your apartment a thorough spring cleaning. Well, two out of three’s not bad! Spring cleaning may challenge visiting the dentist for number one on the procrastination list. But like going to the dentist, once you bite the bullet and get the job done, the rewards will be worth the effort. Your newly pristine, squeaky clean apartment will be spiritually uplifting. Plus, all of your stuff will be organized and accessible. Getting motivated? The good news is, if you’ve already rightsized into an active adult community, you’ll be cleaning an apartment instead of an entire house filled with decades of extraneous clutter. What was once an onerous undertaking will now be an easily manageable task. Even if you haven’t right-sized and already decluttered the mountains of your family’s accumulated clutter. These simple tips for spring cleaning will get you on the path to relaxing in your spotless space in no time. Clutter = Chaos Lucky you,That said, it’s always energizing to assess your possessions and make sure you are not holding on to things that have outlasted their usefulness and would be better donated, thrown out or recycled. It’s going to be much easier to thoroughly clean an uncluttered space. Cleaning Supplies You will need a few basic cleaning supplies to get this party started. Microfiber cleaning cloths All-purpose cleaner. Bathroom cleaner with disinfectant Dry mop Vacuum with attachments. If you don’t have one, knock on a neighbor’s door. A squeegee to release and remove pet hair from floors and carpets. Glass cleaner Rubber gloves are essential to protect your hands from water and harsh chemicals. Gather your tools in a bucket or shower caddy and you’ll be ready to go. Dust First As you tackle each room, be sure to dust fans, light fixtures, wall art, and window sills first. It will be counter-productive to vacuum or clean floors before releasing all the dust into the room. Microfiber dust cloths or the soft nozzle attachment on the vacuum cleaner will do the job. And here’s a tip for dusting TV screens. Cloths soaked in spray glass cleaner will leave streaks, so try cleaning those dusty screens with a coffee filter. It will collect the dust and leave the screen clean and clear to be ready for the latest season of your favorite show. Don’t Forget the Fridge Nobody’s judging what’s growing on the veggies in the back of the refrigerator but it’s time to get rid of them. Take everything out of both the fridge and freezer and give the insides of the units a good scrubbing. If you don’t want to use chemicals, try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for a non-toxic solution. The Closet Awaits Those closet doors are a blessing and a curse. Yes, you can close them and shut out the mess that lives behind them. But hiding those jeans from Y2K along with other clothes that are outdated or no longer fit is not the solution to the closet woes. Though tackling the closet can be a huge undertaking, you’ll love a closet is organized and provides easy access to the stuff you actually need. Celebrate Your Success After all of your hard work, you deserve a cocktail and an hors d’oeuvre. Plan a get-together and show off your newly refreshed apartment to family and friends.

How to Celebrate Mom on Mother's Day

Attention all adult children: Mother’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes a new opportunity to honor Mom and make her feel special. How you and your family decide to celebrate depends on your Mom’s unique tastes and circumstances. But no matter where you go or what you do, make sure your plan includes what Mom values most: Spending quality time with you. That said, Mom, it’s okay to drop hints that will point your kids in the direction of activities within both your interest and comfort zones. Check out these Mother’s Day activity ideas. Maybe one of them will be exactly what your family envisioned to create a wonderful new Mother’s Day memory. Take a Stroll Marathon running may not be on this year’s list of viable ideas for Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t mean a scenic walk in the park or a beautiful botanical garden is off the table. If Mom is up to it, a power walk can be a fun and uplifting group activity. If a leisurely stroll is more in her wheelhouse, it can provide both exercise and a chance to have a good long chat. Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane Gather up the family photo albums and sit down with Mom to recall the good old days. You’ll laugh as pictures remind you of your childhood antics. Give Mom the chance to talk about her perspective on those times. Share Mom’s Interests Find out what Mom is passionate about and organize an outing that you know she will love. If your Mom is an art lover, check out the special exhibits at the art museum. If she is a sports enthusiast, how about tickets to a baseball game? Maybe yoga is her thing so find a class and get your downward dog on together. If Mom is a card player, brush up on your canasta rules and have a family game. Board games can be fun, or just think of how satisfying it would be to help her complete that jigsaw puzzle she’s been working on! Get Gardening If Mom is a gardener, put on the gloves and start digging. There is no better way to enjoy the sunshine—and each other’s company. Eat Outside A Mother’s Day picnic is a great way to get some fresh air, eat a great meal and spend a relaxing time together. Eat Inside Make a reservation at Mom’s favorite restaurant. Enjoy good food, conversation and of course, excellent company. If Mom would prefer to dine in, put on the chef’s apron and make her a meal that will leave her full—of appreciation. A Night at the Movies Top off your day with a movie night either at home or at the theater. Don’t forget the popcorn. Remember, when it comes to Mother’s Day activity ideas, it doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you are there with your Mom. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for Mom to make her feel special, check out our Mother’s Day gift guide !

Tips for Sustainable Apartment Living

Preserving the planet for future generations is an important undertaking that requires all of us to embrace a greener lifestyle. If you’re thinking only those who live on farms and grow their own food can truly make an impact, it’s time for a new perspective. Even the most urban apartment dwellers can incorporate sustainable living ideas into their daily lives and reduce their carbon footprint. All it takes is a little thought, minimal effort, and the desire to make a difference. Here are some sustainable living ideas for eco-conscious apartment home living. See the Light You don’t have to be a certified tree hugger to know that turning off a light when you leave a room will save energy. What you may not realize is switching to energy efficient light bulbs will positively impact both the environment—and your utility bill. During the day, the best of all possible worlds is to make use of natural light whenever possible. Pull the Plug Even when your small appliances are turned off, as long as they are plugged in, they are still drawing power from your outlets. Save energy by keeping them unplugged when not in use. Turn Off the Water We waste a lot of water in our daily lives and it’s not difficult to dramatically cut that usage. For example, when you’re brushing your teeth, there’s no need to let the water run continuously. Make sure the dishwasher is really full before you run it, and take shorter showers. Every little bit helps. Reuse and Recycle It is important to recycle plastic, bottles, cans and paper. But take it a small step further and consider using a refillable water bottle instead of buying cases of disposable ones. Instead of paper plates and cups, use the real stuff. Protect the Forest Who isn’t overwhelmed with tons of unwanted junk mail? Visit the website catalogchoice.org and stop the barrage of junk mail once and for all. Think of the trees you are personally saving. Go Green, Literally Whether your apartment has a tiny balcony or just a welcoming windowsill, try adding plants . You can grow herbs that will come in handy for cooking or just pick a few plants you like. You’ll brighten up the environment while promoting clean air. Go Green, Figuratively If you really want to commit to a green lifestyle, try eco-interior design by choosing couches and rugs made from sustainable fibers. Rightsize Your Life Nothing wastes energy like empty unused spaces in a home that has outlived its purpose. Practicing sustainable living means adjusting your living situation to your needs. Rightsizing into an apartment home consumes only the energy necessary to maintain your current lifestyle and is the healthy choice for active adults—and the planet. Consider implementing these simple sustainable living ideas. They are small steps that add up to making a big difference to our planet’s future. Visit our EcoLife page to learn more about how Overture is promoting sustainability through education and more.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

There’s no doubt the internet has impacted our lives in a variety of positive ways. Unfortunately, cyberspace is also the domain of identity thieves who prey on the vulnerable. Older adults, who have built a lifetime of solid credit, are perceived as “high-value targets,” making senior identity theft a serious threat to those who remain unvigilant. Here are a few tips to protect yourself—and your money—from those who are very skilled at trying to separate you from it. Just Hang Up If you pick up the phone and someone at the other end asks for personal or financial information, just hang up. The con artists claim to be from your bank or credit card company and sound very official. Don’t take any chances. Hang up and call your financial institution immediately to find out if they were trying to contact you. If the call was fraudulent, let them know that a scammer is targeting their clients. Delete, Delete, Delete Identity thieves are clever at designing emails that look incredibly credible. Protect yourself by never clicking on email links or opening email attachments that don’t look familiar to you. Doing so can put your computer and personal information at risk. These seemingly legitimate requests for your personal information are in fact con artists “phishing” for your social security number and account info. If you see an email that looks like it’s from your bank or credit card company, delete it. To check on your accounts, go to the company website by typing in the URL yourself. Set Up Direct Deposit Talk to your bank about the direct deposit option. That way your social security or other benefit checks will go directly from the sender into your account, lowering the risk of theft. Be sure to check your statements regularly to monitor deposits and look for any suspicious transactions. If you see something that sets off an alarm bell, call your bank immediately. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open Paranoia is not healthy. But being overly trusting can be just as detrimental to your financial health. Carefully vet any in-home employee and be on alert for an inappropriate level of interest in your finances and personal data. No matter who has access to your private information, it is important to stay on top of your finances and always keep your eyes and ears open. Your Social Security Number? Just Say NO! Your social security number is the gateway to your identity. Never give it out to anyone, unless you have initiated contact with that person at your financial institution. If the Worst Happens If an identity thief manages to get the better of you, close any bank account or credit card that has been stolen and contact your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately. The FTC will provide an identity theft affidavit which will help them in working with creditors and banks to track down the culprits. The more proactive you are about protecting yourself, the less vulnerable you will be to senior identity theft. There are so many wonderful ways to put technology to work for you. Don’t let the criminals use it to turn you into a victim.

Finding a New Home: A Dog's Perspective on Right-Sizing

As Hank and Marla continue their quest to find the right active adult community, their rightsizing solution appears right in front of them, in the form of a new Overture 55+ apartment home location. The more they learn, the more they realize Overture is committed to creating the best active adult communities with world class amenities that include special accommodations for their special pet. To hear their pup Chancey tell it, as he does in this next excerpt, “they had me at dog park!” “After a few weeks, Marla decided to revisit the condo idea but in a different location. She began to clip information about condos in surrounding areas and we resumed our Saturday and Sunday drives. If nothing else, I got used to driving in the car. Plus, I was out of the den so it was all good! I heard Marla say she and Hank were thinking of driving all the way to Pensacola, FL in the future and it would be helpful for me to get used to a long drive. I couldn’t argue with that thinking. In spite of our wonderful weekend drives, we came up empty. Just when they were ready to give up, they stumbled across a banner near Hank’s office advertising a soon to be built community. It read: “ Over 55+ active adult living apartments coming soon.” Could this be our solution? The next day, Marla called the phone number on the banner and spoke to a representative, who invited them to lunch the following day to learn about Overture . Hank cleared his calendar and they met the representative at the restaurant at the allotted time. I wondered what happened to Hank as he always comes home at lunch to give me my liver pill. I waited but he did not show up. Little did I know he and Marla had gone to the restaurant and met two warm and friendly ladies who had already signed Overture leases. After lunch, the representative showed them a slide show of what the structure would look like when finished. She then listed the amenities that came with the rental. Hank and Marla loved the idea that this was a rental open only to residents 55 and older. There would be no younger population to take over the gym or pool and no worries about wild, noisy apartment parties. They were invited to tour the project the following day. Donning hard hats, they walked through the partially built structure imagining the finished product. They inspected a fourth-floor unit that Marla had shown an interest in. It had two bedrooms, plus a study and there was going to be a balcony! Once they heard it came with a dog park, covered parking, and affordable rent, they knew it was exactly what they were looking for. Did I mention the dog park? The representative suggested Hank and Marla visit Overture Sugar Land to see a completed community. They left the future Overture Tanglewood and drove down Highway 90 to Overture Sugar Land. All the while, I was at home alone, sitting in the kitchen, missing another lunch and my liver pill. Whatever they were doing, I was sure it was pretty important! Overture Sugar Land sat on a new boulevard across from a baseball field. It was four stories and unlike Tanglewood, had first floor living with private attached yards. The amenities were the same, breakfast in the morning, a movie room, a full gym, a game room and a large dog park in the rear. This was perfect. As much as they loved the future Tanglewood community, Sugar Land offered first-floor living which would make taking me to the dog park a breeze. After mulling over the options at home, they decided to go back to Sugar Land for a second look, this time with yours truly. We checked out a bright and airy apartment on the ground floor with two bedrooms and its own yard. Immediately I knew this was it! I even named the yard. I would call it Chancey’s Yard! Of course! Fortunately, Hank and Marla shared my conviction that this was the perfect place for the three of us to “rightsize!” Their only concern was the distance from our current neighborhood but when they realized Highway 90 gave easy access, the deal was done! In his next excerpt , Chancey marvels at all the wonderful amenities Overture has to offer to all its residents, two-legged and four-legged alike. ABOUT AUTHOR Henry Radoff Henry (Hank) Radoff is a recently retired attorney in Houston, Texas and author of the book, “Taking Chancey”. He has always been a pet lover. He authored a movie script entitled “The Guide” which features a dog that guides survivors to safety during the Holocaust, has authored a second book entitled “Breaking Free, a Journey for Survival”, and is working on his third book, “Chancey’s Overture”. He and his wife Marla, adopted their dog, Chancey, who is officially the boss of their home.

Home Sweet Home: A Dog's Perspective on Right-Sizing

Next stop: Overture Sugar Land! In this final excerpt, our distinguished author, Chancey the dog, explores the wonders of life at Overture. Blinded by diabetes, Chancey has to learn his new surroundings by feel. As he becomes acclimated, he discovers this new adventure includes the best of 55 and over community amenities. I love Hank and Marla, but seriously, selling the house was beyond annoying. First of all, we had to deal with 14 years of accumulated stuff—theirs, the family’s and of course mine. Then there was the issue of realizing the furniture in your home won’t fit into an apartment. This was especially annoying since I was so familiar with the furniture layout in the house. New furniture would indeed be alien to me, but I had my trusty sense of smell to help sort things out. With a little trial and error, I’d figure out the new lay of the land. On our last visit before moving day, they put me down to roam the open spaces in the apartment and I got a pretty good idea where the living room, bedrooms and kitchen were. Ok, so I bumped a few counters but that is how I learn. That diabetes may have affected my sight, but it didn’t ruin my brain. To Hank and Marla’s surprise, I navigated with ease even finding the back door to the patio and my yard. “Let’s try the hallway,” said Hank. With my harness on, they walked me carefully down the hallway, pausing at the door. Hank opened the door and I went through. We practiced three times. It was a breeze. Actually, there was a breeze. Hank called it the wind. When we walked back from my dog park—yes, MY dog park right in my backyard!—I stopped to feel the breeze he calls wind. Whatever you call it, when you been out in the heat it’s great! We crossed over a big space I could not identify and wound up at the office. I love the office because the humans in there always give me a treat. It is my special treat. How thoughtful of them. They always offer Hank and Marla candy. Wait, candy? Hmmm. No one offers me candy. Another hallway leads to the gym. I am not allowed in the gym and frankly, I don’t care. What am I going to do in the gym anyhow? Next, we visited the party room, which I am allowed to walk through. I didn’t hear any party noise, so why was it called the party room? Weird. We then passed through a door to the outside that eventually leads to my dog park. I found out later we can also get there by taking the elevator to the second floor. My own dog elevator! They tell me there is also a cinema on the second floor, but I’m blind. So, helloooo! There is also a nature trail near my park which will probably be more fun for Hank and Marla and a great place for them to meet other humans. Which is fine…as long as they don’t ignore me. All in all, this place is awesome. I think we are going to be happy here. What’s not to like? I’m ready to move in! Next stop: Overture Sugar Land! In this final excerpt, our distinguished author, Chancey the dog, explores the wonders of life at Overture. Blinded by diabetes, Chancey has to learn his new surroundings by feel. As he becomes acclimated, he discovers this new adventure includes the best of 55 and over community amenities. I love Hank and Marla, but seriously, selling the house was beyond annoying. First of all, we had to deal with 14 years of accumulated stuff—theirs, the family’s and of course mine. Then there was the issue of realizing the furniture in your home won’t fit into an apartment. This was especially annoying since I was so familiar with the furniture layout in the house. New furniture would indeed be alien to me, but I had my trusty sense of smell to help sort things out. With a little trial and error, I’d figure out the new lay of the land. On our last visit before moving day, they put me down to roam the open spaces in the apartment and I got a pretty good idea where the living room, bedrooms and kitchen were. Ok, so I bumped a few counters but that is how I learn. That diabetes may have affected my sight, but it didn’t ruin my brain. To Hank and Marla’s surprise, I navigated with ease even finding the back door to the patio and my yard. “Let’s try the hallway,” said Hank. With my harness on, they walked me carefully down the hallway, pausing at the door. Hank opened the door and I went through. We practiced three times. It was a breeze. Actually, there was a breeze. Hank called it the wind. When we walked back from my dog park—yes, MY dog park right in my backyard!—I stopped to feel the breeze he calls wind. Whatever you call it, when you been out in the heat it’s great! We crossed over a big space I could not identify and wound up at the office. I love the office because the humans in there always give me a treat. It is my special treat. How thoughtful of them. They always offer Hank and Marla candy. Wait, candy? Hmmm. No one offers me candy. Another hallway leads to the gym. I am not allowed in the gym and frankly, I don’t care. What am I going to do in the gym anyhow? Next, we visited the party room, which I am allowed to walk through. I didn’t hear any party noise, so why was it called the party room? Weird. We then passed through a door to the outside that eventually leads to my dog park. I found out later we can also get there by taking the elevator to the second floor. My own dog elevator! They tell me there is also a cinema on the second floor, but I’m blind. So, helloooo! There is also a nature trail near my park which will probably be more fun for Hank and Marla and a great place for them to meet other humans. Which is fine…as long as they don’t ignore me. All in all, this place is awesome. I think we are going to be happy here. What’s not to like? I’m ready to move in! Hank, Marla and Chancey are now living happily ever after at Overture Sugar Land , busy making new memories and enjoying the best of Overture’s 55+ apartment home community amenities. Publishers are eagerly awaiting Chancey’s sequel about his fabulous new life as a member of the Overture family. ABOUT AUTHOR Henry Radoff Henry (Hank) Radoff is a recently retired attorney in Houston, Texas and author of the book, “Taking Chancey”. He has always been a pet lover. He authored a movie script entitled “The Guide” which features a dog that guides survivors to safety during the Holocaust, has authored a second book entitled “Breaking Free, a Journey for Survival”, and is working on his third book, “Chancey’s Overture”. He and his wife Marla, adopted their dog, Chancey, who is officially the boss of their home.