Tag Archives: holiday

Catch a Show This Season!

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Although Pittsburgh offers entertaining and unforgettable shows year round, fall and winter are the perfect seasons to visit one of the city’s many theaters for a festive show.

Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, tucked conveniently downtown across the Allegheny River from Heinz Field and PNC Park, consists of six beautiful theaters: the August Wilson Center, the Benedum Center, the Byham Theater, Heinz Hall, the O’Reilly Theater, and the Cabaret at Theater Square.

Located just half an hour from Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, the Cultural District is perfect for anyone looking to plan a fun-filled day or night out. There are many dining options and retail stores to walk to from the theaters, not to mention a selection of galleries filled with various genres of art.

Sherwood Oaks wants you to enjoy as many events as possible, so we make your trip to the Cultural District and other venues as simple as possible. In fact, we’ll pick you up and drop you off right at the door! We provide transportation to:

  • Pittsburgh Symphony concerts at Heinz Hall
  • Pops concerts at Heinz Hall
  • Operas at Benedum Center
  • City Theater in the Southside
  • The Pittsburgh Speaker Series at Heinz Hall
  • The Pittsburgh Public Theater at O’Reilly Theater
  • River City Brass Band concerts at Carson Middle School in North Hills
  • Pittsburgh Philharmonic concerts at North Hills Jr. High School
  • The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale at Carnegie Hall and Ingomar United Methodist Church

So, which can’t–miss holiday shows and concerts are coming up this winter?

  • A musical version of A Christmas Carol is coming to the Byham Theater, beginning December 6
  • Also beginning December 6, The Nutcracker springs to life at the Benedum Center
  • Elf makes its debut at the Benedum Center, beginning November 26
  • And don’t forget to catch Christmas with the Rat Pack, starting on Christmas Eve
  • Consol Energy Center will host the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on December 7, then Donny and Marie Osmond on December 12

You can view full schedules and purchase show tickets on the Cultural District website or on Ticketmaster.

Don’t forget that you can get entertainment at home with shows and concerts at Sherwood Oaks! Our next show is “Sammy Davis & Friends,” a Rat Pack tribute and comedy show on November 22, 2013 at 2 p.m.

Healthy for the Holidays

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Friends, family, and food! These are the cornerstones of the holiday season. But as we age and develop more of a need for a healthy diet, it can put a damper on our holiday feasting. Whether because of diabetes, heart disease, or just for overall health, the entire family can benefit from healthier substitutions at the holiday dinner table.

Diabetics need to pay close attention to their carbohydrate and sugar intake, while those concerned with heart health should look for foods that help lead to lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. We went on a hunt for some of the healthiest (but most delectable) holiday recipes out there. Would you consider trying one of these good-for-you goodies this year?
 

Diabetic Dining:

Appetizer:  Mix together some unlikely ingredients and whip up some Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets from this award-winning Taste of Home recipe.

Main Course:  Add a twist to a classic roasted turkey with this Citrus-Roasted Turkey from Diabetic Gourmet.

Side:  No matter where you’re celebrating this season, you can add some southern charm to your Thanksgiving dinner with these Southern Green Beans.

Dessert:  These gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Muffins are also great for diabetics looking to take advantage of seasonal flavors.
 

Heart-Healthy Options:

Appetizer: Bring the tart taste of cranberry to your pre-dinner snack with this Braided Cranberry Bread.

Main Course: Be unique and trade turkey for pork. Try out these Maple-Thyme Pork Chops.

Side: Better Homes and Gardens offers a Heart-Healthy Cheesy Potatoes recipe sure to please the whole family!

Dessert: It’s not truly the holidays without pumpkin pie, is it? Get a little bit extra with this Maple-Apple Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Pie recipe!
 

Here are some general rules to follow for a healthier holiday season:

  • Look for any chance to reduce the amount of butter or oil you are using in recipes. According to Fit Sugar, avocado, prunes, Greek yogurt or applesauce can replace butter in many baked good recipes. Smart Balance Heart Right Light Buttery Spread is also a heart-healthy alternative to use in cooking and on dinner rolls.
  • Pay attention to serving sizes. The American Heart Association provides a guide for eating in moderation. One serving of cooked meat is 3 ounces, about the size of a computer mouse, while one serving of low-fat cheese is 1.5 ounces, about the size of six dice.
  • Substitute whole grain bread for white bread in your holiday stuffing.
  • More sodium = higher blood pressure. Look for ways to cut salt when possible.

Whether you plan to have friends over, visit family, or spend Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays at Sherwood Oaks, it is very possible to have a delicious and healthy holiday meal. We serve dinner for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with plenty of room for residents to invite friends and family. Year-round, we provide nutritious dietary options, including the option of fish as well as diabetic and gluten-free selections.

So eat up!