women over 50 – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

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Savoring the 4th of July: Recipes, Décor & Cocktails for Women Over 50

June 13, 2025 2 Comments

The 4th of July isn’t just for fireworks and parades—it’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, celebrate freedom, and enjoy the sweetness of summer. For women over 50, it’s a chance to host with ease and elegance, blending tradition with a touch of modern flair. Here are some stylish yet simple ideas to help you throw a memorable Independence Day celebration. Our street holds an annual party complete with fireworks, lots of food, bouncy houses for the kids, and friendship.

Fun at our neighborhood 4th of July party

Fresh & Fabulous Recipes

Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
Skip the heavy potato salad and go light and luscious with grilled peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s beautiful, flavorful, and easy on the waistline. I enjoyed a grilled peach salad at our neighborhood restaurant. It was delicious!

A delicious grilled salad perfect for the holiday

Herbed Chicken Skewers
Marinate chunks of chicken breast in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary. Skewer with zucchini and cherry tomatoes, then grill to perfection. A great alternative to traditional burgers and dogs.

Mini Berry Trifles
Layer angel food cake cubes with Greek yogurt and a mix of strawberries and blueberries in mason jars or clear glasses. It’s patriotic, light, and perfect for portion control. Single-serve desserts are perfect for a party.

Chic Yet Simple Décor

Red, White & Blue with a Twist
Trade in the plastic flags for vintage linens in soft hues of ivory, dusty blue, and cranberry. Add fresh flowers—hydrangeas, daisies, or wildflowers—in rustic pitchers or mason jars for a timeless, elegant touch. I cut my hydrangeas and dry them each year. They last for years, and I use them to decorate for many holidays.

String Lights & Candles
As the sun sets, ambient lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Drape white string lights across a patio or garden and cluster citronella candles in glass hurricane jars for both charm and function.

Memory Lane Table Setting
Print vintage family photos or snapshots from past July 4ths and tuck them into napkin rings or place under clear plates. It sparks conversation and brings a personal, sentimental feel. Have guests guess who is who.

My place settings for the 4th of July

Cocktails with a Kick (and a Mocktail, too!)

Sparkling Elderflower Spritz
Mix prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and soda water over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of mint. Light, floral, and oh-so-refreshing.

Blueberry Basil Gin Fizz
Muddle fresh blueberries and basil, add gin, lemon juice, and a splash of tonic. Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice in a highball glass.

Cucumber-Lime Cooler (Mocktail)
For a non-alcoholic option, muddle cucumber and mint, add lime juice, and club soda. Serve in a tall glass with a cucumber ribbon for a spa-like treat. Cucumber-lime is one of my favorite combinations.

Cool and refreshing cocktail for the 4th

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or an intimate gathering on the porch, the key is keeping it relaxed, stylish, and full of heart. At this stage in life, we know how to celebrate with grace—surrounded by the people and flavors we love. Here’s to a sparkling, joy-filled 4th of July!

Happy 4th,

Carrie

All About Home, Everyday Life, Gardening and Outdoors

5 Healthy Summer Habits for Women Over 50

June 4, 2025 No Comments

5 healthy summer habits for women over 50

Summer brings longer days, fresh produce, and an invitation to slow down and savor life. For women over 50, it’s also a perfect season to refresh healthy habits that support energy, balance, and well-being. Here are five simple, nourishing practices to embrace this summer that align with both your body’s rhythms and your stage in life.

1. Hydrate With Purpose

As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes even more essential—but hydration is about more than just drinking water. For women over 50, hormonal changes can affect fluid retention and thirst cues, so it’s important to be intentional. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and try infusing your water with cucumber, mint, or citrus for a refreshing twist. Once a day, I add a splash of electrolytes to my water. Water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and lettuce can also help keep you hydrated. Freeze your watermelon slices for a delicious treat.

5 healthy summer tips for women over 50 — Stay hydrated with fruit infused water

2. Move Joyfully Outdoors

Exercise doesn’t have to mean a high-impact workout. Summer is an ideal time to move your body gently and joyfully. Whether it’s a walk at sunrise, swimming laps, or a weekend hike with friends, outdoor movement supports cardiovascular health, joint mobility, and mood. Vitamin D from sunlight (just 10–15 minutes a day) also helps maintain bone density—a key concern for women over 50. Just don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. I try to get out daily for a long walk and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of summer.

pond5 healthy habits for women over 50 — A place to relax and recharge

3. Eat Seasonally and Simply

One of the joys of summer is the abundance of fresh, local produce. Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend—it supports digestion and helps your body stay in sync with nature’s cycles. Enjoy vibrant salads with leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or fruit-forward breakfasts with berries and Greek yogurt. Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado. I enjoy using my fresh herbs and vegetables from my garden in the summer months. These support stable energy and hormone balance and can reduce inflammation associated with aging.

marinated vegetable salad5 healthy summer habits for women over 50 — Marinated vegetable salad

4. Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Longer daylight hours and warmer nights can sometimes disrupt sleep. For women over 50, who may already struggle with sleep due to menopause-related changes, summer is a good time to reassess your bedtime routine. Try winding down with a cool shower, herbal tea, or light stretching. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. I do a small stretch, journal, and read a bit before going to bed each night. Prioritizing 7–8 hours of quality sleep can boost your immune system, memory, and mood.

savoring summer after 505 healthy summer habits for women over 50 — A couple of my favorite journals

5. Reconnect With Your Circle

Summer is naturally more social, and spending time with friends, especially those who uplift and energize you, can be incredibly nourishing. Loneliness is a growing health risk, and staying socially connected supports emotional and cognitive health. Plan a picnic, host a book club outdoors, or invite a friend for a walk. One of my favorite summer activities is lunch at the park with a dear friend. Meaningful connection can be as vital as any vitamin or fitness routine.

enjoying high tea5 healthy summer habits for women over50 — Enjoying tea with a friend

This summer, focus on habits that feel gentle, joyful, and deeply supportive. Health in your 50s and beyond is about listening to your body, honoring your needs, and savoring each season with intention. Let summer be a time of lightness—not just in the weather, but in your spirit.

Here’s to your health,

Carrie

All About Home, Everyday Life, Food, Gardening and Outdoors, Holidays, Holidays

Savoring Summer After 50

May 21, 2025 No Comments

savoring summer after 50

As the days stretch long and the sun lingers late into the evening, summer invites us to slow down and soak in its warmth. For women over 50, this season offers a perfect chance to embrace a more relaxed pace, reconnect with passions, and nourish both body and soul. Whether you’re retired, working part-time, or just seeking more balance in your days, here are five mindful ways to savor the beauty of summer.

1. Create a Morning Ritual

Summer mornings can be serene and inspiring, especially before the heat of the day sets in. Try carving out 30 minutes each morning for a simple ritual—whether it’s sipping herbal tea on your porch, journaling, stretching, or taking a short walk through your garden or neighborhood. These quiet moments can set a peaceful tone for the day and help you stay grounded in the present. I start each morning writing in my journal and reading a few inspirational quotes and passages in my sunroom, watching the stillness of the morning.

savoring summer after 50 — A couple of my favorite journals

2. Embrace Outdoor Simplicity

You don’t have to plan a big vacation to enjoy summer’s bounty. Consider simple outdoor pleasures like reading a novel under a shady tree, having a picnic in a local park, or watching the sunset from your backyard. Nature has a wonderful way of refreshing our perspective. Bring a folding chair, a sun hat, and let the world slow down around you. I love to visit local gardens, garden centers, and outdoor coffee shops and cafes. Spending time working in my yard and listening to the water cascading in my pond brings me an incredible amount of joy.

3. Reconnect with a Creative Passion

Have you been meaning to get back into painting, photography, sewing, or playing an instrument? Summer is a great time to reignite those creative sparks. With fewer obligations or a more relaxed schedule, even 20 minutes a day devoted to something you love can bring deep satisfaction. You might also try a new hobby like sketch journaling or flower arranging—both low-stress, high-reward ways to express yourself. Needlepoint has become a new hobby of mine, and I enjoy learning something new and creating new pieces.

savoring summer after 50, needlepoint project — A new hobby that I really enjoy

4. Cook (or Sip) Seasonally

Summer’s flavors are fresh and abundant. Visit your local farmers’ market and let the produce inspire you. Try making simple, colorful meals like tomato salads, grilled peaches, or infused waters with cucumber and mint. Not only does eating seasonally nourish your body, but the act of preparing and savoring food mindfully can be deeply joyful. Baking from scratch is something that I have been doing more of in the last year. I am trying something new each week, incorporating an ingredient from my herb garden. I also joined my local herb guild and have enjoyed learning about herbs in my area.

savoring summer after 50, making homemade granola — Homemade granola, so easy to make

5. Connect in Meaningful Ways

Slow summer days are perfect for meaningful connections—with friends, family, or even with yourself. Host a laid-back garden brunch, invite a neighbor over for iced tea, or take a weekly walk with a friend. These slower-paced interactions often lead to deeper conversations and cherished memories. And if you enjoy solitude, summer is also an ideal time for introspection, meditation, or simply listening to your favorite music under the stars. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just spending time with family and friends brings me so much joy.

savoring summer after 50, spending time with friends — Enjoying an event with friends

Summer doesn’t have to be packed with plans or constant activity to be fulfilling. In fact, the beauty of this season often lies in its stillness and space to breathe. As a woman over 50, you have the wisdom to appreciate the richness in slower moments. So pause, listen to the cicadas, feel the grass under your feet, and let the long days lead you back to yourself. What are you going to do this summer?

Take time to enjoy,

Carrie