The Little City with Big Opportunities
Though a mere 22 miles from downtown Houston, Sugar Land, Texas is anything but a sleepy suburb. Founded as a sugar plantation in the mid-19th century, this lively and livable city is brimming with can’t miss permanent attractions and seasonal events that will keep you active and engaged. And if you do feel the need to take a break, you can just pull up a chair at one of its many chic eateries.
Check out these things to do in Sugar Land and get ready to experience the best of the biggest little city in Texas.
Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
At the top of the list of things to do in Sugar Land is the HMNS. Hang with a giant T-Rex, explore the secrets of a 2,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, or be amazed at images from the Hubble Telescope. Whether you go with friends or grab the grandkids, this will be a day to remember.
A Walk in the Park
There are parks galore to explore in Sugar Land, each with its own outstanding features.
For biking and a BMX track for off-road racing, Lost Creek Park is a great choice.
Enjoy a great game of disc golf at Imperial Park.
Hike the Oyster Creek Trail.
Show off your skills at the Sugar Land Skate Park.
Feel like a major leaguer at the batting cages in First Colony Park.
Sugar Land Town Square
Sugar Land boasts a premiere entertainment district loaded with sophisticated boutiques, restaurants, salons, spas and of course plenty of places to hop on a bar stool and quench your thirst after a day—or night—on the town.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Situated on the edge of Sugar Land is the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a majestic, man-made wonder assembled by fitting together 33,000 pieces of hand-carved marble and Turkish limestone like a huge, 3D jigsaw puzzle. This incredible Hindu temple came to life with the help of volunteers and is truly a labor of love.
The Farmer’s Market at Imperial
From fresh produce, and locally raised meats, to music, to artisan goods including savory locally roasted coffee beans and handcrafted jewelry, the farmer’s market has it all. Open rain or shine every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, the Farmer’s Market at Imperial is a dynamic hub where friends meet for food, fun.
Celebrate Fall
Fall is festival time, so no list of things to do in Sugar Land is complete without mentioning a few of the outstanding seasonal opportunities in the area.
Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch | October 12-31st | 5653 W. Riverpark Dr. Sugar Land l 281-633-2000
Needville Harvest Festival | Oct. 19 - 20 | Harvest Park 3001 Violet St. Needville l 281-468-9314
Texian Market Days | Oct. 27 | George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond l 281-343-0218
iFest Live | Nov. 3 | Aliana’s Model Home Village 11200 Maybeck Dr. Richmond l 281-634-1110
Be advised, life in Sugar Land has one major problem. With such a rich assortment of entertainment and activities at your fingertips, you may have trouble finding time to enjoy it all. Life at Overture Sugar Land is a non-stop adventure that can begin as soon as you move in!
Keeping those cholesterol numbers and ratios in check is certainly a key factor of our continued health and well-being. Lifestyle choices like smoking and how much we exercise can significantly impact those levels. And, of course, a critical piece of the puzzle is our diet. Does that mean boring is about to become a four-letter word spelled F-O-O-D? Absolutely not! Life at this stage is about satisfaction and joy, and that includes what’s cooking in the kitchen. With a little information, attention and creativity, the nutritional portion of your fabulous 55+ adventure will not be reduced to a daily dose of tofu and oat bran.
Try these simple healthy cooking tips and enjoy!
Salad Dressing is Not Your Friend
Creating a wonderful healthy salad for lunch is a great idea. Drowning it in high-fat salad dressing? Not so much. Think of it as shooting your pursuit of lower cholesterol in the foot. Low-fat alternatives would be a better choice, but the best low cholesterol option is drizzling that salad with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
Instead of Croutons, Go Nuts!
Carbohydrates are known to increase LDL (Bad cholesterol) levels. Replace those carbo-laden salad croutons with chopped walnuts, high in the polyunsaturated fat that can actually lower LDL while boosting the preferred HDL (Good cholesterol). Enjoy the healthy crunch.
Ground Turkey, Instead of Ground Beef
Ground turkey contains half the saturated fat of 85% lean ground beef. Many of your favorite beef-centric recipes will taste equally as delicious—and be much healthier—if you substitute that beef with lean ground turkey.
Fish Before Fowl
While it’s true turkey and chicken have less saturated fat than red meat, neither are complete without cholesterol. When trying to reduce the cholesterol in your cooking, choose recipes that feature fish, which contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Your favorite finishes can be as delightful on a piece of salmon as they are on a piece of chicken.
Keen on Quinoa
Quinoa, a high fiber South American seed, is the perfect substitute for rice or couscous. One cup of cooked quinoa has 15% fewer carbohydrates and 60% more protein than a comparable amount of brown rice. Add it to your next dinner party menu and your guests will definitely be keen on Quinoa! (Pronounced KEEN-wa.)
Sour on Sour Cream
A little sour cream in a garnish or sauce goes a long way toward infusing an otherwise heart-healthy meal with unwanted saturated fat. To trim that excess fat without sacrificing taste or texture, swap out the sour cream for no-fat Greek yogurt, one of the healthiest foods on the shelf. Just about any of your favorite recipes that call for sour cream can be enhanced with Greek yogurt instead.
Butter is Out
Pan fry fish or poultry and sauté vegetables with liquid oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean and olive instead of solid fats such as butter, lard or shortening. If you must use margarine, try the soft or liquid kind.
A Toast to Lowering Your Cholesterol!
While dinner is simmering, raise a glass of wine instead of a cocktail. Red wine has about a tenth of the carbohydrates of a margarita and you’ll also get antioxidants like bioflavonoids that are believed to lower LDL and boost HDL.
Follow these simple, healthy cooking tips and your kitchen will cook with the same sizzle you enjoy during the rest of your active adult life.
Now that your time is more your own than it’s ever been, this stage of life can be an exciting journey, both figuratively and literally! That bucket list of destinations is just waiting to be checked off.
Hey, if not now, when?
Your next trip will require your usual curiosity and enthusiasm but you’ll also need to pack that wisdom you’ve earned by experience. The seasoned traveler can safely and happily celebrate the wonders of the world by acknowledging personal limitations, taking a few precautions and following some basic travel tips.
Before You Leave:
Inform Close Family and Friends About Your Travels.
Make sure your group of friends and family knows about your plans. Provide them with the best way to contact you, your destinations and where you’ll be staying. This will come in handy in case of an emergency.
Call Your Bank or Credit Card Company.
Be sure to inform your bank that you’ll be traveling and that any purchases on selected dates will reflect that. It’s no fun when your card is declined for suspicious activity when you’re paying for dinner or while you’re shopping – even if it is in your best security interest.
Call Your Cell Provider.
If you are planning to leave the country, be sure to arrange for international cell service before you leave. Your cell phone is a valuable safety feature when traveling.
Get Insurance.
Everyone benefits from some form of traveler’s insurance. Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance can give you peace of mind in the event life interferes with your ability to take a prepaid trip. It is also important to be covered for accidents, injuries and other possible issues that can occur while on vacation.
Pack Like a Pro
Protect Your Identity.
Never pack essential documents like driver’s license and passport in checked luggage. If your bags get lost, your dream vacation could become a nightmare.
Pack Familiar Items.
If practical and possible, pack a few items that are part of your everyday life. Your usual blankets, pillows and clothes can make new environments feel homey and more comfortable.
Bring Entertainment.
Whether enjoying the view from the back seat or relaxing on a flight, it’s easy to stay entertained. An iPad with movies and music, a deck of cards, and a few travel-sized board games will make the hours fly by, so to speak.
Mind Your Meds.
Active adults need to take as much care with their medications as they do with their money and passports. If you’re flying, don’t pack them in checked luggage and avoid stowing them overhead where they will be inaccessible during the flight. If driving, keep them in the car with you instead of the trunk. Always make sure you have enough of each medicine to last an extra day or two in case you get stranded by any delays.
Prescription drugs should be kept in their original containers and include any medical information and documentation. It’s not a bad idea to keep a paper listing any essential meds and their dosages so you can replace them if it becomes necessary. If you take a brand name, write down the generic name too. Better yet, try to find the name of the medication in the language of your destination.
Easy on the Bling.
Unfortunately, older travelers can become prime targets for thieves looking for what they think is an easy mark. Avoid the flashy jewelry and expensive cameras that can make you stand out as a target
Your Solid Foundation.
Your trip should be about the thrill of the sights, not the agony of your feet. Pack your most comfortable walking shoes so you won’t miss a thing as you explore the streets of the city. Stick to flats to maintain balance and avoid a fall or sprained ankle that can be trip wreckers. They don’t have to be orthopedic specials, just flats.
Once You Get There
Stick to Your Schedule.
Although it’s fun to step out of your comfort zone, it’s best to keep up with your daily routine as much as you can even while exploring cities. Plan to eat, rest and relax around the same time you typically do. This lessens the stress of travel and prevents you from falling off your medication schedule.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence.
Avoid hanging the “clean my room” sign outside your hotel room door. This is an open invitation to anyone who might want to take advantage of your absence and separate you from your belongings. Thieves know that travelers leave important documents and valuables in their rooms. Instead of advertising that you’re out, call the front desk and ask them to send housekeeping.
Watch What You Eat.
Experiencing the food of different cultures can be fun and exciting, but a moment of fun can lead to a night of misery. Pay attention to what you are eating. If in doubt, don’t. Different types of food can affect different medications. Speak to a doctor, physician or dietician about what you should avoid while expanding your taste buds.
Keep Others in the Loop.
If you’re going to be traveling solo, AARP recommends that you share your daily itinerary with your innkeeper or hotel concierge. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back and always keep your cell phone handy.
Know Your Limits.
The most important travel tip is to know yourself and your limits. Participate as much as you can but respect your body and be kind to it. Your experience is not about those few things you might have missed. It’s about all the wonderful memories of the things you did.
Bon Voyage!
“How fine is life when what we want is what we have.” —Tao
I think he was talking about Vitality…
It’s no secret that your personal vitality plays a key role in the quality of your everyday life. And when you create a mindful balance between what you eat, how active you are and what you think and feel, your quality of life will likely put you on the fast track to a happier, healthier you.
If you’ve ever met someone who has vitality, you’ll know it fairly quickly. They have a certain pep in their step. A confident energy that seems to radiate from them. Not a hyper or manic sort of way but rather in a healthy, glowing manner—a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them stand out. Their vitality is palpable. You may acquire that as well by boosting your own vitality by following a few simple rules. The Vitality Rules.
You see, vitality plays a key role in living a happy and healthy existence. Some may refer to vitality as their own “life force” or simply their energy level. If your energy is low is it possible to naturally ramp up that vital essence within you, in spite of the many physical and mental challenges you may currently face or have faced in the past?
Absolutely.
Do you remember the energy you once had as a child? Running like the wind or riding your bike fast and letting go of the handle bars? That “child” still lives within you. As we age, our bodies often do not reflect the youthful part, the “young at heart” part of ourselves. In this post you’ll discover primary aspects to what I like to call “The Vitality Factor” in living a richly fulfilling existence. It’s your time. It’s time to live your life to the fullest.
Your Body is in a Constant State of Renewal. Case in point --Your DNA is the driving force behind this dynamic mechanism that makes you human. Your stomach lining is completely renewed—all brand spanking new cells—every 4 days. Wow! And the cells that come into contact with food in the digestive process regenerate every 5 minutes. Your liver is renewed every 6 weeks. Your entire skeletal structure, your bones and connective tissue, are regenerated every 3 months. And if that isn’t amazing enough, how about the concept that your entire brain replaces itself every two months? And your entire body, right down to the last atom, is replaced every 5-7 years.
What if you started doing things differently in order to have a long-term impact upon your whole being? If you could create healthier, “happier cells” by making a few changes in your lifestyle, which in turn would boost your vitality, would you do it?
“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” ~Hans Christian Andersen
Vitality Rule #1 - Eat foods that boost your energy naturally.
If your diet isn’t already rich with fresh veggies, it’s time to take it up a notch. Fresh, roasted, lightly-steamed or blanched vegetables are a true nutritional “gift” to yourself. If you add pigment-rich fresh veggies to your diet, such as broccoli, beets, squash and greens such as kale, your cells will be healthier and more resilient to any type of elements that cause aging and damage to cell membranes and DNA. Other foods that are wonderful for your cells are high-fiber fruits such as fresh berries or apples. You’ll want to stay away from eating too many high sugar fruits such as dried fruit or even bananas. The key is moderation. Why? Because higher sugar, lower fiber fruits and foods in general may be hard on your body due to fluctuations in blood sugar. It’s better, from a vitality standpoint to stick with boosting vegetables in your diet—and fresh is best. Frozen is next. And commercially canned dead last.
Vitality Rule #2-- Move Your Body.
It’s time to get up and get out. Your body loves to move. That’s what it is designed for—and it is not designed for the “couch potato” lifestyle. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the habit if you don’t watch out. Fear not. The human body can easily shift and adapt to more activity—and will be healthier and more energized as a result. Walking is the number one activity for boosting vitality. The impact of walking upon your bones is a gift—making them stronger as a result. Lifting weights will increase muscle mass—which in turn, will increase muscle cells. The more muscle cells created by working with weights boosts muscle fibers. And, because of this increase you’ll have more mitochondria generating energy. It will also boost your growth hormone and testosterone a bit, which is great for both men and women. Don’t worry! I promise you won’t end up looking like “Arnold” however I guarantee you will look and feel better. Boosting your physical activity will result in a more energetic “you”!
Vitality Rule #3-–Change Your Mind.
A shift in attitude towards being more positive and mindful can go a long way when it comes to boosting your personal vitality. Vitality begins as a mindset. Let’s face it, as in most positive things in life it starts in the mind. With an attitude or a philosophy. We’re not trees. If we don’t like where we’re planted, we can MOVE. The same goes for our mindset. If we don’t like how we feel or how we’re going through life, we can change. You can change your life, your vitality level by changing the way you look at life. Negativity, thinking negative thoughts and having a bad attitude can have an adverse effect upon you physically. Bernie Siegel, MD. known best for his books “Love, Medicine & Miracles” and “Prescriptions for Living”, has for many years studied the impact of positive thoughts and affirmations upon the physical and mental health of his patients, and in particular those with cancer. The power of thought, especially positive thought has shifted the tides with many of those he has worked with, resulting in those living longer, healthier and happier lives. His advice is to focus upon the present. To not live in the past. Or in the future. Focus upon the now with this affirmation.
“To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” — William Londen
There is such a thing as community vitality. At Overture, we try to cultivate the vitality lifestyle within all our properties. It creates a sense of belonging, camaraderie and neighborhood that bonds healthy active people together.
So, find that magical key and unlock your best life possible. And those ABC’s of healthier living will get you acquainted with other letters of the alphabet. Most importantly, the V’s—Vim, vigor, vivacity and of course, vitality.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Laura Lewis
Laura Lewis is a media personality , television host, a talk-radio host, producer, motivational speaker and author of the book 52 Ways to a Healthy You . For over two decades, she has been helping people transform their lives by educating and motivating them to make positive changes through diet, exercise and the implementation of healthy lifestyle habits. Laura is the creator of the HypNutrition ® program for groups and individuals alike.
Laura obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of North Texas. An honors graduate from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute located in Tarzana, California, Laura is a certified hypnotherapist with a highly successful private practice in Austin, Texas and offers HypNutrition® coaching worldwide via telephone, FaceTime, or Skype.
Laura’s passion is to focus upon her whole body-mind approach to achieving and maintaining optimal health, and overall wellness by combining nutrition education and hypnotherapy with individual clients.
She is available for group or personal sessions.
"April showers bring May flowers", at least that's what I have heard! You realize that spring has arrived when you begin to observe all the bright, boisterous colors which follow this decadent season. Spring has a way of bringing out the radiance! Strawberries seem more red, blueberries more blue, sunflowers more yellow and well, you get the picture.
As a chef, not only are spring colors important (as it pertains to plate presentation) but the delectable choices of food are, as well. There is a reason people use the phrase "spring-time fresh." Things that surround us during this season are more crisp, luscious, and fresh. Even the air seems a little cleaner. I have put together a few dishes that are not only colorful and delicious, but can also be prepared just in time to entertain friends and family this spring season.
Playful Portobello Mushrooms
You will need:
3 lbs. of ground beef
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. paprika
approximately 6-8 eggs
3 cups of beef stock
4 Roma tomatoes
6-8 Portobello mushrooms
one bunch of green onions,
one cup of white distilled vinegar
3 quarts of water
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place the ground beef in a skillet and cook until browned.
While the beef is cooking peel the onion, then dice and sauté until it becomes aromatic (approx. 6 minutes). Set to the side.
Peel your garlic cloves, dice, then add to onions. Set to the side.
After your beef is cooked, remove from heat and drain excess grease. Return to the stove, add beef stock, and dry ingredients (paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper). Then add onions and garlic.
Reduce until stock thickens (this allows all the flavors to be absorbed).
Place some olive oil on the mushrooms and bake in the oven at 350 for 12 minutes .
After the mushrooms have cooked and the beef mixture is ready, fill the mushrooms with the mixture and place in the oven for 5 minutes .
Mix water and vinegar together. While cooking, take your eggs and place in mixture. Poach for 4-6 minutes .
Remove the mushrooms from the oven and top each one with a poached egg, pepper and green onion.
Sun-kissed Salad
You will need:
1 bag of Israeli couscous (you can find at most grocery stores)
1 bunch of parsley
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
4 ounces of fresh mint
1 orange
1 lemon (garnish)
½ cup of Italian Vinaigrette
Directions:
Prepare the couscous as directed on the back of the bag. Allow to cool when finished.
Wash cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then cut in half. Then wash cucumber, dice and set to the side with tomatoes.
Peel orange, cut into wedges, set to the side.
Next, chop the parsley (reserve some for final garnish) and mint, combine and set to the side.
Take a large mixing bowl and combine tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, parsley and about 1/2 cup of Italian dressing (you can always add more if needed.)
Arrange the orange sections around the top and garnish with a little more parsley.
Spring-green Salad
You will need:
1 bag of fresh spinach (you can also get baby spinach if you would like)
1 medium Red Onion
1 small bag of dried cranberries
1 small bag of sunflower seeds
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Navel Oranges
1 bottle of Citrus Vinaigrette
Directions
Take the Red Onion and Red Bell Pepper, slice into julienne strips and set to the side.
Slice oranges into rings.
Remove the spinach from bag and place into a large mixing bowl.
Combine spinach, red onions, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, citrus vinaigrette and mix well. (Please note that you will only need to pour a small amount of vinaigrette as a little bit goes a long way.)
Place your spinach mixture onto your serving bowl, sprinkle with Dried Cranberries, Sunflower seeds, and set out with a pair of tongs
Garnish serving bowl with orange slices around the edge.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Tony Pruneda
Chef Tony graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Dallas with an Associate of Arts and Sciences. Tony has been classically trained in many different cuisines and worked for numerous Chefs both locally and out of state. He is currently a sous chef in training for Heb Central Market. He is passionate about cooking and enjoys teaching classes and sharing his experiences with whoever wants to listen and learn.
It is exciting moving into an Overture community and apartment, and provides an opportunity to express yourself in a new way. What are some tricks of the trade we designers use?
There are so many ways residents of one of Overture’s Active Adult communities can personalize their apartment to make it their own. Oftentimes, new residents will be moving from a single-family home, which can mean purchasing new key pieces of furniture. Keeping these key pieces, such as sofas and chairs in a neutral color allows for the use of accent items, such as pillows, throws or art and accessories to be brighter and more colorful. This also allows the accent pieces to change with the seasons or with a resident’s mood. The use of tabletop frames for pictures mean these can be easily changed or updated to reflect family events or exciting travel memories. Residents may want to consider pieces of furniture that are multipurpose, such as a coffee table that doubles as a storage cabinet, or an ottoman with storage space inside. And an accent wall in an vibrant color can also add cheer to a room.
Different types of lighting, including floor lamps and table lamps, allow for various lighting levels and moods throughout the day. LED light bulbs in these lamps can be chosen for color temperatures most agreeable to the resident—some can even change their color temperature by use of a dimmer, so residents can match the lighting to their mood.
Overture’s apartments themselves are laid out in a way to maximize space. The overall room layout is very flexible, with kitchens that open into the dining and living area, allowing for entertaining and socializing during meal preparation. Flex spaces or secondary bedrooms can easily be outfitted as an office, a craft or sewing room, a reading room or an exercise room. Or these rooms can serve multiple functions at different times of the day, changing from one use to another as needed.
One of the most striking advantages of the Overture communities is that because of all the amenities the residents enjoy in the common spaces—chef demonstration kitchens, sitting areas, media rooms and game rooms—residents have no need to recreate these spaces or functions in their apartments These spaces serve as an extension of their homes, and provide ample and valuable opportunities for socializing with neighbors. These sorts of senior living amenities truly make Overture communities , in the best sense of the word. The resulting camaraderie and cheer these spaces bring to residents make for a pleasant transition from living in a single-family home to a community where interaction with neighbors happens not just daily, but throughout the day.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Claire Richards
Claire Richards brings 13 years of interior design experience in both hospitality and multifamily environments to her projects. She is a registered interior designer and a graduate of the University of Texas.
