Blog Posts

Healthy Grilling Recipes for a Delicious Summer

“I love the culture of grilling. It creates an atmosphere that is festive but casual.” So says Bobby Flay, and the celebrity chef, restaurateur, and TV personality ought to know. Now that summer is in full swing, dust off the old grill and take advantage of its magical powers to merge family, friends, and fun. On a restricted diet? Don’t be shy about getting your grill on. No matter what is on your personal menu, the list of healthy grilling ideas is virtually endless. Check out these healthy summer dinner ideas – and get ready to press send on that Evite. Choose the Right Protein When choosing the main course of your healthy BBQ, nutritionists recommend giving preference to: Fish Chicken Turkey If you opt for chicken or turkey, the breast should be skinned before cooking. If fish is your main event, it’s best to wrap marinated fish in foil and grill until tender. If red meat is your must-grill, opt for low-fat beef or pork loins. Shoot for 3–6-ounce portions. Supplement with plenty of veggies. Cook meat on medium to medium-high heat and flip frequently to prevent charring and burning. If your grill is topless, cover with foil to reduce drips and flare-ups. Veggies are Vital Healthy summer recipes include veggies galore. The good news is almost all your favorites are delicious grilling options. Chop your choices into large pieces, brush them with garlic, and fire away. Great options include: Asparagus Bell pepper Corn Zucchini Onion Potatoes Mushrooms Broccoli Cauliflower Cucumber The Marinade Makes the Meal When your guests rave about your delicious, healthy BBQ repast, you can tell them it’s all about the secret sauce. Marinade and select spices can be your meal’s piece de resistance. The real secret of the secret sauce is to be judicious. A half cup of marinade or one tablespoon of seasoning for every pound of meat will do the trick. If you prefer, create your own dry marinade by mixing these spices: Allspice Chili powder Cinnamon Caraway Garlic Powder Pepper Rosemary Don’t’ Forget Dessert For that little taste of something sweet to cap off the meal, don’t head to the bakery. Instead, take advantage of Mother Nature’s natural sugariness and throw some fruit on the grill. The natural sugar will caramelize and create a dessert that smells and tastes amazing. Add any one of these fruits to your healthy summer dinner ideas: Apples Bananas Pineapples Pears Nectarine Fig Safety First As you mull over your BBQ guest list, remember you are literally playing with fire. Make sure to clean the surface of the grill before cooking. If you are using a wire brush, be especially vigilant about cleaning stray bristles that can dislodge and find their way into food. Avoid cross-contamination of utensils and consider using a meat thermometer. It’s a Party If you are lucky enough to live at one of Overture’s premium active adult communities , your friends - and neighbors waiting to become friends - are always on hand to get the grilling party started. Book a tour today and get ready to turn up the heat with healthy summer recipes – and plenty of great company with whom to enjoy them. Bon Appetit!

Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors: Making a Difference in Your Community

Volunteering to serve others is rewarding at any age, but senior volunteering is that unique gift that benefits both the giver and the receiver. In fact, experts agree active adults who participate in retired senior volunteer programs enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Research results confirm: Reduced risk of social isolation Affirmation of self-worth Increased physical activity New opportunities for learning and growth Improved mental health How Do You Want to Spend Your Time? Senior volunteering is about sharing your gifts and talents with others in a way that makes you feel productive and involved. So, the first order of business is deciding what type of volunteering appeals to you. Think about your particular interests. Do you want to show off your craftiness, mentor kids, or spend time in a medical setting? How much time do you want to commit? Do Your Homework Once you’ve narrowed down the choices, it’s important to carefully vet any potential organizations. To avoid unethical and unhealthy situations: Never sign up for anything that poses a potential risk to your health. Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, or completely above board, look elsewhere. Avoid a concern that is looking for volunteers to “work tirelessly.” Chances are they are looking for free labor. If you prefer a non-profit, make sure the charity is in good standing. Research the organization’s mission statement to ensure it supports your beliefs and goals. Check out reviews of the organization to see how its employees and the surrounding community feel about it. When embarking upon a new senior volunteering opportunity, it may be helpful to spend some time on one of these charity watchdog sites: Charity Navigator GiveWell Guidestar Volunteer Match Create The Good (AARP) Find Local Chapters of National Charities One of these national charities may champion a cause near and dear to your heart. Chances are a local branch in your own backyard is just waiting for you to volunteer your services. AmeriCorps Seniors Open to 55+ adults, AmeriCorps Seniors Corps opportunities range from providing companionship for older adults at home to mentoring students in a classroom setting. Their roster includes options with varying requirements and time commitments. Habitat for Humanity Volunteer at your local branch of Habitat for Humanity and create positive change in your community. Feeding America Locate a food bank in your neighborhood and get involved administratively or on the ground at food drives. The Alzheimer’s Association This association offers a wide variety of senior volunteer opportunities. Its many local chapters organize walks, promote education, and campaign for increased awareness and action. Meals on Wheels When it comes to retired senior volunteer programs, Meals on Wheels checks all the boxes. Become part of an army of more than 2 million volunteers to deliver meals to those in need. What could be more rewarding than seniors helping seniors. Local, State and National Parks If you love the outdoors, the US park service is looking for you. Though some senior volunteer positions require specific experience, there are many opportunities for folks who care about the environment. Whether you want to join the maintenance crew to eliminate invasive plants or participate as tour guides and campground hosts, the Park Service would love to have you for a day, or on a regular basis. Animal Shelters Animal lovers, look no further than the Humane Society of America for volunteer opportunities galore. Contact your local animal shelter to provide direct care or companionship to animals, or man the phones to promote pro-animal legislation. Maybe you will find a new four-legged friend in the process. Community Gardens Your local community garden would welcome your green thumb. If gardening is your passion, your expertise would be most welcome. Volunteer with Friends What could be more fun than volunteering with friends? Join one of Overture’s premier active adult communitie s and you’ll find enthusiastic peers who share your desire to give back. Forget the retirement rocking chair. Retirement at Overture is about fulfillment, friends, and most of all, fun.

Summer Fashion for Seniors: Stay Stylish and Comfortable

Which adjectives best describe your wardrobe this summer? Frumpy and fogey-ish? Or fashionable and fabulous? Sure, it’s pretty clear you’ve, um…matured well past the age of, how shall we say, the bare midriff. But, that doesn’t mean you are doomed to a future of muumuus and mom jeans. This is your time to shine and though you’ve gladly left certain things – like job and carpool – behind, there is no need to abandon your inner fashionista. In short: You still got it. You just have to figure out how to flaunt it in a way that makes you hip and cool, but also comfortable. Translation: When contemplating summer fashion for seniors, it may be time to jettison the stilettos. Fashion over 55 does not come without its challenges. The fashion industry is obsessed with youth and walking into a trendy boutique can often feel like entering a time warp. Here are a few pointers to help you integrate the past and present to celebrate the wonderful you of today. Look Past the Models Unfortunately, older men and women are not well represented in the modeling world. So, chances are when you are thumbing through a magazine looking for potential summer outfits for seniors, the faces and bodies staring back at you are decades younger than you. It may give the impression that the clothing is not “age appropriate.” Fashion consultants encourage seniors to ignore the model and focus on the outfit. If the clothing is visually appealing to you, consider whether the style would work for your body type. Bye Bye Baggy A muumuu makes a great bathing suit coverup. But as a go-to outfit, it does send a fairly obvious message. You don’t have to wear anything tight and slinky, but there is a middle ground. Garments with a defined shape are much more flattering than maxi dresses with no waistline - ie, the aforementioned muumuu. Baggy overalls and pull-on pants are also in the uncool category. Once you determine the shape that looks best for your physique, you can dress to enhance it. Find Your True Colors Fashion over 55, for both men and women, is about staying true to yourself. If you have always had a personal style, stick with it. Experts advise older adults to pay less attention to trends and focus on an updated version of what has always worked. At this stage, understatement is the key. Stick with your basic style but adapt color schemes and prints to focus on making one strong statement at a time. Accessories, Accessories Never underestimate the power of great accessories. So, don’t throw out that chunky necklace you’ve always loved. But do pair it with a lovely pair of fitted jeans and a crisp white blouse. Simple and elegant, you are ready to go anywhere. Stock Up on the Basics You don’t need a ton of clothes to navigate active adulthood. You just need the right ones. Summer fashion for seniors should include staples like a black blazer, a white button-down shirt, neutral-colored cardigans for cold air-conditioned spaces, a couple of V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves, a pair of dark wash jeans, and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths. Book a tour at one of Overture’s premier communities today. Once you’ve made the decision to rightsize, your fashion choices will be easy: Pack only the clothes you wear to enjoy life.

Gifts Ideas for the Graduate in Your Life

Finding the perfect graduation gifts for grandchildren and other young people requires some thought. Do you present them with carefully made DIY graduation gifts, or would they prefer practical gifts to help them get through college or survive that all-important first year of work? The answer depends on the graduate. Consider their personal preferences and personality as you brainstorm graduation gift ideas. If they’re sentimental, homemade gifts or family heirlooms make unique graduation gifts. If they’re focused on the challenges and opportunities of college, gifts to help them customize their dorm room or study aids might be better choice. With that in mind, here are a few graduation gift ideas to inspire you. Graduating high school or college is a momentous event in a young person’s life, so mark the occasion with truly unique graduation gifts. Gifts for the Sentimental Graduate If your graduate values unique gifts, family, and their relationship with you, any of the following make excellent and unique graduation gifts: Homemade Gifts If your grandchild has always admired your embroidery, woodworking, cross stitch, or painting skills, take advantage of this and make their graduation gift. A beautiful piece of needlework or a hand-carved picture frame will be treasured for life. Personal Letters Grandchildren often find it hard to believe, but you were once as young as they were. The times may have changed, but as a young person, you experienced many of the doubts and dreams young people feel as they move into their adult lives. Take advantage of this with a heartfelt letter, sharing your memories from this exciting time of life. Family Heirlooms Family keepsakes make truly unique graduation gifts for grandchildren. Items of jewelry, watches, or small ornaments you know your graduate loves are meaningful gifts. Just remember graduates will likely move for college or work, so make sure your present is small enough to be portable. Graduation Gifts for College-Bound Kids Graduates going to college need study materials, backpacks, and items to make dorm life as pleasant as possible. They may not be unique graduation gifts, but if your graduate is preparing for their first year of college life, the following make excellent presents: Backpacks Choose a sturdy backpack with plenty of compartments and pockets, then fill it with little items to make studying easier. Possible items include: Erasers Highlighters How-to books on college life Notebooks Pencil sharpener Pens and pencils Reusable water bottle Scotch tape Stapler Sticky notes Dorm Survival Aids Help you graduate adapt to dorm life with these gifts: Cookbooks for simple one-pot or instant pot meals Electric kettles or instant pots for in-dorm meals Portable Bluetooth speakers Throw blankets for comfort and warmth Wireless headphones to block out dorm noise while studying Electronic Devices Modern colleges require modern study solutions. A new laptop, phone, or tablet will see plenty of use throughout college. Gifts for the Future Whether or not they go to college, graduates are ready for independence and their future careers. The following items make great graduation gifts for grandchildren as they make their way in the world: A long-term savings plan and a promise to match the graduate's contributions. An emergency fund savings account with some money already deposited in it. Car maintenance, cooking, budgeting, or other lessons an adult needs to know. Interview clothes and other professional work clothing. If you’re at a loss, ask your friends what types of gifts they gave to graduating grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Active adult communities are wellsprings of inspiring ideas for graduation gifts, as you can draw on community members’ experiences.

Celebrating Fathers: Meaningful Activities for this Year's Father's Day

"To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy." - Nelson Mandela As children, Father’s Day is about honoring daddy. As adults it’s about becoming parents and basking in our children’s appreciation. And now, stepping into those cozy, wonderful, grandparent slippers, Father’s Day is about celebrating the gift of intergenerational love. It’s about kids reminding dads and grandads – actual family and chosen family – how important and treasured they are. Check out these Father’s Day ideas for grandfathers. Maybe one of them will be just the ticket for a memorable holiday with the kids and grandkids. Family Olympics Friendly family competition checks all the Father’s Day activity boxes. A theme-oriented scavenger hunt will get everybody outside and moving. Afterwards, how about an age-appropriate card game or board game for the little ones? Top it off with a father son/daughter checker tournament. Make sure there are prizes! The idea is to have fun and get everybody involved. If you are lucky enough to live in an active adult community, be sure to check your monthly activities calendar at your for events to celebrate Father’s Day, or commandeer the activities room and join other grandparents and their families to make it a group celebration. If your kids and grandkids are out of town, hanging with your active adult homies can be a joyful way to commemorate the holiday. Be of Service Performing an act of community service on Father’s Day is a great way to bond with the grandkids while teaching them the value of helping others. Sharing that experience with dad and grandpa would be truly unforgettable. Build a Memory Get ready for lots of creativity and laughs with easy to assemble building kits for you and the grandkids. Whether you are assembling a little sailboat or a birdhouse, working together will be an opportunity to talk and share quality time. Men like Crafts Too Move over Grandma. There are tons of craft projects for Gramps to enjoy with the kids. Provide visors and glitter or stickers to glam them up, and voila! A decorative sun protector. Personalized plates or picture frames will give the kids a great Father’s Day memento. Discover Something New Whether it’s a museum exhibit, a family cooking class, or a trip to the aquarium, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to expand everybody’s horizons. Father’s Day Gifts for Grandpa Clearly the greatest Father’s Day gift for grandpa is the gift of spending time together as a family. But said family will probably feel they need to show up with a gift. Maybe you can steer them in the right direction with a little something that says, “I love you!” For example: A mug with pics of the grandkids A framed family photo A gadget that supports your favorite hobby, ie if you’re a golfer, golf balls or a ball retriever, sun hat for gardening, or a card shuffler Tickets to a ballgame. A little pricier but a fun family experience. New iPhone case Swimming goggles Fun comfy socks And of course, when it comes to grandfather’s Father’s Day gifts, you can’t go wrong with anything made by the children. Father’s Day only comes once a year, but life at Overture’s premier communities is a daily homage to active adult life. Book a tour at the property of your choice today. Bring plenty of pictures of the grandkids. Everyday at Overture is a salute to Grandpa.

Senior Activities in Buckhead

Sara Blakely. Tyler Perry. Kevin O’Leary. One is the founder of SPANX, and the youngest female self-made billionaire in the world. One is an entertainment icon. One is a popular member of the “Shark Tank” team. So why would their names be linked? In case it is not immediately obvious, the tie that binds them is, wait for it…Buckhead, Georgia. Blakely is a Buckhead native whose corporate headquarters is located in Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Perry sold his Buckhead estate for 17.5 million, a new Buckhead high. And Kevin – Mr. Wonderful – O’Leary used to hang out in Buckhead as a kid and it’s one of his favorite places. Located just under an hour outside of the city, Buckhead is officially designated as a suburb of Atlanta. But, from chic shops to divine dining to historic landmarks, it’s clear this gem of a community is actually Atlanta’s secret sauce. In fact, many of the best senior activities in Atlanta are actually in Buckhead. Check out these things to do in Buckhead, Atlanta. Legoland Discovery Center Nestled in the heart of Buckhead at Phipps Plaza, LEGOLAND features 4D cinema, interactive rides, a build and test center for race cars, and a Master Builder Academy where devotees can build with experts. Your grandkids will go crazy here, but don’t think for a moment this is an attraction just for the little ones. The third Thursday of every month is Adult Night. The munchkins are politely asked to stay home while the grownups discover and explore. Chastain Memorial Park Buckhead is home to Chastain Memorial Park, Atlanta’s largest city park. Its 260 acres include jogging paths, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a golf course, and even an equestrian area. The park is also home to the Chastain Arts Center, which offers year-round programming. One of the park's highlights is the amphitheater which boasts outdoor entertainment all summer long. Grab a friend or paramour, pack a picnic dinner, and enjoy the long list of headliners under the stars. Atlanta History Center When looking for future things to do in Buckhead, just look to the past. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the Atlanta History Center. Stroll through 33 acres of manicured gardens, award-winning exhibitions – including memorabilia from the 1996 Olympics. There are also historic houses to explore, including the Swan House which was featured as President Snow’s Palace in the “Hunger Games” movies. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza Ask anyone for their favorite senior activities in Atlanta, and they will point you in the direction of these Buckhead landmarks. With luxury shopping, green spaces for hanging out, Nobu, a world-class culinary market, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza are community magnets. Whether you are looking for a little retail therapy – choose from over 350 iconic brands – or just want to go for a stroll and grab a bite, these are the places to see and be seen. Book a tour today at Buckhead South, or Powers Ferry, Overture’s premium 55+ communities in Atlanta. Become part of the Overture community - and the Buckhead community. As Mr. Wonderful said, Buckhead is a “helluva place."