Author: Ken Purcell

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Homebuilder

Homebuilder Highlight: Gehan Homes

As you search for new homes in Kyle, you may want to explore the master-planned Crosswinds community located right off I-35 between Austin and San Marcos. Just 20 miles from Austin, residents appreciate its big-city resources and entertainment with all the joys of small-town living. Known as the Pie Capital of Texas, Kyle offers a slice of heaven literally and figuratively.

In planning the community, Crosswinds looked at many Kyle builders to select the right ones to bring the vision for this community to life. One of those is Gehan Homes, which Builder Magazine has ranked as the 14th largest private homebuilder in the U.S. For more than 25 years, Gehan has welcomed families to their new homes.

About Gehan Homes

Gehan Homes builds most of its homes in Texas. They know the locales well and design homes made to withstand Texas weather and optimize them for the different types of Texas soil.

Everything the Texas homebuilder does revolves around these four cornerstones:

  • Highest quality
  • Exceptional design
  • Personalization
  • Superior buying and customer experience

You can find them in Crosswinds at 231 Tailwind Drive Kyle, TX 78640. (The community is East of I-35 off of Windy Hill Road and Crosswinds Pkwy.) Their homes range from three to four bedrooms with two to three baths. Homes start in the $260s and range from 1,850 to 3,050 sq. ft. Explore Gehan floor plans in Crosswinds.

Gehan Home Achievements

The Kyle homebuilder has received the 2017 Texas Association of Builders STAR Award for Builder of the Year along with more than 20 STAR awards. TAB created the awards program to spotlight the exceptional work of home builders, architects, designers, remodelers, and other industry leaders.

Gehan Homes has also won several Houzz awards including one for customer service and another for product design. They’ve received many more awards. While they take pride in their awards, nothing is more valuable to them than their customer relationships.

BUILDER Online has recognized Gehan Homes as one of the “Top 25 Builders Killing It Via Social Media.” So, check them out on your favorite social network. It’s a great way to get to know them better.

The Crosswinds community features a pool, pavilion, parks, playgrounds, and trails. For more information about Gehan Homes, please call 512-965-9977 or email reicher@gehanhomes.com.

Categories
Area Attractions Events Family Fun

How to Spend Labor Day Weekend in Kyle: Labor Day Weekend, Labor Day events, Kyle, San Marcos, Buda

Want to do something fun and make new memories over Labor Day weekend? Here are some great Labor Day events in Kyle and nearby in San Marcos and New Braunfels. You can attend more than one as these events take place at different times between Aug. 30 and Sep. 2. Remember to take pictures or it didn’t happen.

Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival
Lake Kyle
700 Lehman Rd.
Kyle, TX 78640

If there’s Labor Day event thing you must do, it’s this one with more than 20 hot air balloons and 40 food and product vendors! Come discover why Kyle is the Pie Capital of Texas with a Pie Café tent, pie eating contests, pie baking contests, pie vendors, pies galore!

You’ll also enjoy a fabulous live music line-up, fireworks, and kite performers. The Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival runs from Aug. 30 to Sep. 1 and it’s free to park and ride.

Swim at City of Kyle Pool
1100 W. Center St.
Kyle, TX 78640

What better way to finish out a great summer than in the pool? Labor Day is the last day you can splash around in the City of Kyle Pool. It’s open from 11 am to 5 pm. The pool does not have snack concessions this summer, so you can bring food and drink from outside. Just no alcohol.

Sway to Live Music at Cheatham Street Warehouse
119 Cheatham St.
San Marcos, TX 78666

Landon Bullard and Mostly Sober play on Cheatham Street Warehouse on Friday, Aug. 30. The country western-American group based in Austin has played with high charting Texas Country and American acts including Josh Abbott, Randy Rogers, and Cody Johnson. On Saturday, Aug. 31, you can catch Terry Llord right here without traveling to Coast 2 Coast LIVE in Houston where he’ll also be performing.

Discover Fresh Products at Saturday Farmer’s Market
San Marcos Downtown Square
111 E. San Antonio St.
San Marcos, TX 78666

Central Texas farmers come to San Marcos Farmer’s Market in downtown San Marcos to sell their crops and fresh homegrown and homemade products. Since you’ll be in downtown, there are a lot of things to see, eat, and do in the Downtown Square.

Check out Open Mic Monday at Middleton Brewing
101 Oakwood Loop
San Marcos, TX, 78666

Bing your voice and instrument to the “Longest continuously running open mic night in Hays County” at Middleton Brewing on Monday, Sept. 2. Sound engineer wizard Tom Taylor will make sure you sound your best. If not, come sit for a spell to listen to up-and-coming talent and fresh beer. A food truck will be on site.

Savor Wine after Running in the SARR Labor Day Whine Run
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
1741 Herbelin Rd.
New Braunfels, TX, 78132

It’s the 25th annual SARR Labor Day Whine Run (not a typo!) that takes you on a scenic course through the hilly Vintage Oaks in the Texas Hill Country. The post-race party takes place at the winery where adults can sip Dry Comal Creek Vineyards wines. Be sure to bring folding chairs and stay awhile. The race begins at 7:30 am.

Play Lotería Lunes
Guadalupe Brewing Company
1586 Wald Rd.
New Braunfels, TX, 78132

Held on the first Monday of every month at Guadalupe Brewing Company, come for lotería lunes aka Bingo Mondays. The entry fee includes a trip to the buffet.

The wonderful thing about living in Kyle is that if you want to stay home, you have the amazing Pie in the Sky Festival right in your backyard. Looking for a home? Check out the inventory of new homes in Kyle inventory.

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun

Best Restaurants in and Near Kyle

Kyle may offer small-town living, but you will find no shortage of delicious restaurants that are sure to make your taste buds do a little dance. Texas small towns typically serve comfort food like chicken fried steak, BBQ, and burgers. Yes, you’ll find those in Kyle. Still, it also has cuisine you won’t find in many small towns.

kyle restaurants

Check out these favorite Kyle restaurants.

Texas Pie Company
202 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
texaspiecompany.com

Lest you think this is a bakery, not a restaurant, it’s both. Texas Pie Company’s menu consists of pies, casseroles, quiches, salads, and sandwiches. Many of the recipes come from Chef Julie Albertson’s grandmother that have been handed down through generations of her Texas family. Of course, like the name, they’re best known for handmade pies.

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
575 E Fm 150, Kyle, TX 78640
garciassmtx.com

Founded in 1988, Curtis and Antonio Garcia’s family recipes have gained such a following that they have multiple locations including one in Kyle. Reviewers rave about their service and everything from cheese enchiladas and salsa to chili rellenos and breakfast tacos. That’s why it’s not surprising that people drive from other cities to this Mexican restaurant in Kyle.

Pho Thai Son Vietnamese Cuisine
5401 S. FM 1626 #370, Kyle, TX 78640
phothaison.com

You won’t believe what this Kyle restaurant serves: Vietnamese cuisine. Kyle residents can get their sushi and egg rolls fix from this authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

Thailai and Son Nguyen left Vietnam for greener pastures and worked in a tech company until they decided to start a business. That business is Pho Tai Son.

Milt’s Pit Barbecue
208 W Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
miltspitbbq.com

Texas is known for having some of the best BBQ in the U.S. with many being in Austin and nearby. For times you a gosh darn good brisket right in Kyle, Milt’s your place. With homemade sides and desserts, one reviewer says its BBQ heaven with its tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Customers laud its sweet tea, jalapeno sausage, pork ribs, and turkey at this quaint and homey place. The Kyle BBQ restaurant is also a stop at one visitor’s 10 days of Texas brisket in which he visited famous BBQ places. It’s definitely a hidden gem and it’s right in Kyle.

Ilario’s Italian Restaurant
5401 Fm 1626, Kyle, TX 78640-6038
ilarios.com

Here’s one place you don’t have to leave Texas for New York Style pizza. This Kyle Italian restaurant serves authentic fresh Italian cuisine with a Texas smile and large portions fitting for this great state. For those who eat a gluten-free diet, Ilario’s offers gluten-free pizza, pot roast, and spaghetti with meatballs.

Hays City Store and Ice House
8989 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
hayscitystoretx.com

Initially a gas station and convenience store, Hays City Store has morphed into a burgeoning full-service restaurant and bar. Featuring made-from-scratch Texas comfort food and hand-crafted cocktails, the restaurant has 40 beers on tap, five TVs for sports fans, and a wood-fired pizza oven.

Customers praise its chicken fried steak and you’ll find something for everyone with its house-ground burgers, hand-battered shrimp, fish tacos, and more. They even serve up hot towels for cleaning up after noshing on wings.

Sylver Spoon
6700 N I35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
sylverspoon.com

A trained culinary artist with foodservice experience, a theater artist with a restaurant background, and an actress as UT Austin directing graduate all have one thing in common. They’re sisters and proud founders of Sylver Spoon, the place for dinner and theater, or dinnertainment as they call it.

They’ve thought of everything. If you want to eat, but not see a show — you can do that. Need childcare? They offer it. Want to meet wine snobs with a five-course wine-pairing dinner? Ditto. They even have bingo and trivia.

Want more Kyle tips? Check these out!

Want to live in a community near all these restaurants that have you craving their food? Check out Crosswinds in Kyle with its swimming pool, playground, and planned nature trails at Windy Point amenity center.

Categories
Education

Six Tips to Get Ready for Back to School in Kyle, Texas

Parents and guardians of students attending Hays Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) will be celebrating on August 15 when school starts. No doubt, they will be a few sleepy kids dragging after changing their sleeping schedule for the summer.

Whether or not your family is excited about school, it’s always hard to change your routine and leave the dog days of summer behind. You can ease the transition and avoid scrambling at the last minute with these six tips.

  1. Check registration and related paperwork

You may already have already completed the required school district paperwork. The due dates vary based on district and schools. Ensure you register your child or contact the school.

Visit Hays CISD’s registration page for information about registration for new and returning students. Like most schools, HCISD requires proof of address, immunization records, and other documents.

If your student has medical needs, then contact the school nurse to ask about the process to make sure the child can receive treatment or medicine at school.

  1. Access online accounts

HCISD requires parents and guardians to register for the school year online as covered in No. 1. The district has a parent self-serve portal (PSS) for checking the student’s academics, contact information, attendance, and transportation information.

You can also sign up to receive notifications about missing assignments or absences and alerts from the principal, school, and district. Verify you can access your account and that all the information is current.

  1. Update your calendar

Review the Hays CISD calendar, so you can enter all the important dates into yours. If you haven’t already, you might create a family calendar that everyone can see every day. Better yet, set up a private online calendar that everyone in the family can access on their devices and computers.

  1. Pick up school supplies

If you haven’t shopped for supplies yet, you’re in luck! Texas Tax-Free Weekend is August 9 – 11. And many retailers hold sales on clothes and school supplies before, during, and after tax-free weekend. You might find more savings opportunities online at RetailMeNot, Rakuten (formerly Ebates), and Honey.

Some schools and PTAs sell school supplies where you just pay one fee for the entire packet. This can be cheaper than shopping because they get bulk discounts. Treat your kids to one cool or colorful school item of their choice to get them excited about school.

  1. Kick-start bedtime routines

The fact is that kids’ sleeping schedules fall off track in the summer. It takes three weeks to create a new habit. The first day of school will go better if students start their school bedtime routine at least a week before school starts.

Start small. Put them to bed 15 minutes earlier for a few days. Then move it back another 15 minutes until they return to their school bedtime. Do the same with wake-up time. Wake them 15 minutes earlier for a few days and so on.

  1. Designate a study space

Creating a study area to help the kids make it a habit to study in that area without any distractions. Stock the space with pens, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, and other supplies. This prevents “I don’t have what I need” syndrome.

About Hays CISD for Kyle, Texas Residents

Students living in the Crosswinds community attend the following Hays CISD exemplary schools:

The district serves 18,000 students on 22 campuses. Residents have excellent post-secondary options in Austin Community College and its nearby ACC Hays Campus, Texas State University, University of Texas at Austin, St. Edwards University, Hutson-Tillotson University, San Antonio College, Trinity University, and University of Texas at San Antonio.

Be sure to take pictures on the first day of school. It’s amazing how much kids grow in a school year when you compare the first day and last day pictures. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a great first day of school in the growing Hays ISD in Kyle!

Categories
Education

What You Need to Know About Texas Tax-Free Weekend

It may still be July, but it’s almost time to start thinking about shopping for school supplies, clothes, and shoes. That’s because the Texas Tax-Free Weekend is coming up Aug. 9 – 11, 2019. Planning for the Texas sales tax holiday will ensure you pick up what you need without overspending.

Back to school shopping during the tax-free weekend can also help older kids involved in extracurricular activities. These often have added expenses. The nice thing about not paying sales tax is that you pay the exact price for qualifying items and save on taxes.

Say you want to buy a $19.99 shirt and only have a $20 bill, you’re golden. You don’t have to worry about looking for change to cover the taxes. Hey, some people still pay cash for items.

The best part? The sales tax holiday applies to everyone, not just families with school-aged kids. Keep these things in mind as you prepare for the tax-free weekend:

  • Stores do not give out rainchecks.
  • Items costing $100 or more do not qualify for the tax break.
  • Hang on to those receipts.

Here are four tips to help you make the most of tax-free weekend and back-to-school shopping.

  1. Review the official list

Use the Comptroller of Texas’ official Sales Tax Holiday list as your tax-free shopping bible. Beware that some resources refer to this list, but they don’t always describe the rules correctly.

Not all school supplies and clothing qualify for the tax break. Again, any item priced $100 or higher does not qualify regardless of what it is. Some shoes aren’t exempt from taxes.

Stores charge taxes for the following types of shoes:

  • Cleats
  • Ski boots
  • Overshoes
  • Golf shoes

While soccer shoes and cleats aren’t tax-free, soccer socks are exempt. While golf shoes are taxable, golf caps, jackets, shirts, and skirts are not if they’re under $100 each. Tennis shoes, cowboy boots, and general-purpose boots are exempt.

Did you know that lunch boxes are tax-exempt? Many are surprised by this because people don’t see it as a school supply item. Here are other surprising tax-free items:

  • Pajamas
  • Robes
  • Swimsuits
  • Slippers
  • Adult diapers

So be sure to study that list from the Comptroller of Texas.

  1. Check store hours

Don’t work hard to get to the store as soon as it’s open to avoid the crowd only to find out that it opened an hour earlier than usual. That’s because many Texas shopping centers, malls, and stores extend their hours for the Sales Tax Holiday.

While the hours aren’t as wild as Black Friday’s, it still gives you more time to shop. So, confirm the store hours before you shop.

  1. Skip the lines

You can count on one thing with Sales Tax Holiday to have in common with Black Friday: long lines. Your best bet is to go as soon as the store opens. Some people still work on Friday, so that morning may have the least amount of traffic.

And some people like to sleep in on the weekend. First thing on Saturday and Sunday are the next best options after Friday morning. If anyone needs to try on clothing, start shopping for clothes first. It’s your best chance of shorter dressing room lines.

Another way to avoid the crowd is to shop online with stores that do business in Texas. They typically don’t charge taxes for the weekend. This gives you the chance to shop around and compare prices.

  1. Create a shopping list

Between the crowd and sales, it doesn’t take much to overspend. And when you’re away from home, you have no way of checking someone’s shoe size or whether anyone needs more pants. That’s why it helps to make a list of what you need and the sizes. Confirm sizes especially children who grow like weeds.

Check your supplies. Murphy’s Law has a way of striking. People buy a box of supplies only to find they have unopened boxes in the closet.

Considering you save $1.65 in buying a $20 item, it doesn’t feel like you save much in sales tax. The real bargain comes in stores lowering their prices for the sales tax holiday. A $20 item on sale for $18 saves a total of $3.65. The savings add up if you buy enough.

Follow these four tips to save yourself a lot of headaches. Residents who live in Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas have many shopping options. You can shop in Kyle and Buda. Or you can drive 20 minutes to South Austin or San Marcos’s fantastic outlet shopping centers.

 

Categories
Lifestyle

5 Quick and Easy Tips to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills in the Summer

While swimming feels refreshing during the hot Texas Summer, it causes the air conditioners to work in overdrive. And when they toil harder, it sends the home energy bills soaring. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals the average monthly home energy bill in Texas for 2017 was $122.47.

Moreover, electricity prices reach the max in the summer. The good news is that you can ease the pain while staying cool. Here are five ways to quickly lower home energy bills to save money and boost energy efficiency.

  1. Request an energy assessment

An energy auditor comes to your home to analyze your energy use. To get the best results, have a copy of your annual energy bills ready for the auditor. The auditor conducts tests and finds ways to increase energy efficiency. It’s possible to get a free audit. For more information about energy audits and finding an auditor, visit the Department of Energy website.

  1. Turn off the air conditioner when you don’t need it

When the last person leaves the house, the person can adjust the air conditioner to at least 78 degrees F to save energy. People who can sleep in a warm environment can yield huge savings by keeping the AC at least 78 degrees. Or you can do it all automatically with the next tip.

  1. Use a programmable thermostat

You don’t have to keep the thermostat on 85 degrees to lower your bill. Fortunately, you can invest in a smart thermostat to automatically regulate the temperature based on whether someone is home or in a room. The advantage of a programmable is that you don’t have to remember to turn the AC down or up. And it can start cooling your house just before the first person comes home.

  1. Choose ENERGY STAR appliances

The ENERGY STAR certified label isn’t a marketing tool. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designates a product as ENERGY STAR certified when it meets rigorous U.S. government energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR certified air conditioners use about 15 percent less energy than non-certified products.

  1. Replace filters regularly

Replace the filters on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit every month especially in the summertime. Dirty filters make the cooling system exert more to push air throughout the home. Change the filters monthly or at least every other month. This can deliver energy savings anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.

If you’re looking at new homes in Kyle, Texas, check out the Crosswinds master-planned community. Its builders use energy-efficient equipment to help save money. When browsing new homes, ask the builder about its energy-saving features.

Categories
Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Kyle Market Days Second Saturday

One of the most fun events in Kyle that everyone enjoys is Kyle Market Days. It runs on the first Saturday of the month from April through October. What can you do there? You can browse local vendors, catch live music, discover farm to market items, fill up on delicious food, and do arts and crafts.

To get there, just head for the “Shady Oak Trees” of the historic Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park between Center St., Main St., Miller St., and Burleson Rd. The address is 700 Lehman Rd, Kyle, Texas 78640. Like most of Kyle, it’s just a short 10 minute drive from Crosswinds.

family events in kyle, new homes in kyle

About Kyle Market Days

It starts at 9 am and ends at various times, so visit the Kyle Market Days web page for current information. The next one is on July 13 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Every month, live local musicians perform music in the gazebo. July showcases Silver Mine String Band from Oak Hill. Also, each event presents a different theme and partnership.

July’s partner is Hope and Love 4 Kids. This Kyle-based nonprofit helps low-income families and children with special needs. They provide them with the basic necessities, comfort them in times of need, and uplift them through service and outreach.

One of the things they do is to collect school supplies to donate to these families. The theme for July is “Back to School Supply Drive.” Donate school supplies to help Hope and Love 4 Kids in their mission to support these families.

Upcoming Kyle Market Days

Here are the upcoming dates and themes for Kyle Market Days.

Date Time Theme
Aug 10, 2019 9 am – 1 pm Kyle Police Department “Back to School Safety Fair.
Sep 14, 2019 9 am – 2 pm Lehman Lobo Band Booster Club
Oct 12, 2019 9 am – 7 pm “Squeeze Me on the Square” Music Fest featuring Tejano, Czech, German, Zydeco, Polka, Conjunto and Cajun music all prominently featuring an accordion, or squeeze-box.
Apr 11, 2020 9 am – 2 pm TBD
May 9, 2020 9 am – 7 pm Featuring “Squeeze Me on the Square” Music Fest.
June 13, 2020 9 am – 2 pm TBD
July 11, 2020 9 am – 1 pm TBD
Aug 8, 2020 9 am – 1 pm TBD
Sep 12, 2020 9 am – 2 pm TBD

 

If you’re looking for new homes in Kyle, explore the master-planned community Crosswinds. Residents savor the natural beauty of the prairies while providing families with a place where they can connect with others.

Categories
Family Fun Lifestyle

Water Safety 101: How to Stay Safe by the Pool this Summer

With summer in full swing, there’s no better way to cool off than with a dip in the pool! That being said, it’s essential to brush up on your water safety skills so your little ones can stay out of harm’s way. Get the most out of summer at our master-planned community in Kyle with these pool safety tips.

water safety, pool safety tips, child water safety, safety around water, crosswinds, master-planned community in kyle, kyle, tx

Stay Nearby at All Times

The first and most important child water safety tip is to have someone who knows how to swim within reach at all times! Keeping a close eye on your child means that you will be able to react quickly if anything were to happen. Watching from the sidelines is never fun, so feel free to join your little ones in the pool! Being in the water together will provide plenty of fun and allow you to keep a close eye on everyone.

Fence Off Pool Area

If your young ones want to play outside, but you’re worried about them accidentally falling in the water, a great way to ease the worrying is to fence off your pool area. It’s also important to be sure the fence cannot be opened by little hands. This will not only prevent any accidents from happening, but it will also allow you to relax while the kids spend some time in the yard!

Enroll in Swim Lessons

Finally, the best way to ensure safety around water is to learn how to swim! Be sure every member of your family achieves the skills of water competency, which include being able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely. If your child knows the basics of swimming, the chance of an accident happening in the water is significantly lower. Don’t wait, be sure to sign up for swim lessons near Crosswinds today!

By practicing these pool safety tips, you and your family will be able to enjoy summertime in Kyle, TX, while staying safe around the water! If you want to learn more about the amenities offered at Crosswinds, visit our blog. Ready to spend your summer days at Crosswinds? Contact us today! You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 954786086.

Categories
Area Attractions Events Family Fun

Summer Events You Can’t Miss Near Crosswinds

As we step into summer, get ready for plenty of opportunities to spend time with family and friends in Kyle, Texas! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a leisurely day on the lake, these summer events near our master-planned community in Kyle are sure to be a blast.

kyle, texas, crosswinds, master-planned community in kyle, kyle's independence day fireworks show, movies on the square, kyle pie in the sky hot air balloon festival, kyle pie in the sky

Movies on the Square

Nothing says summertime quite like a movie under the stars! The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is proud to present the 18th year of Movies on the Square, a popular Kyle, TX event. For the 2019 summer, the event has been relocated to Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. There are four Movies on the Square scheduled between June and August, with the first taking place on Friday, June 21. The featured film will be Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Check out the full list of summer events by visiting the City of Kyle Parks & Recreation website. Each movie will begin at sundown, and we recommend bringing a blanket, lawn chairs and snacks.

Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks Show

Looking for something to do on the Fourth of July that’s guaranteed fun for the whole family? Join the city of Kyle for a celebration of America’s birthday with Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks Show! The free pre-show celebration starts at 6:00pm at the Plum Creek Golf Course Clubhouse and includes live music from local artists, hot dogs and cold drinks. The firework show will begin after sundown, around 9:30pm, so be sure to find a spot early. If you can see the tall water tower next to the Hays CISD PAC on Kohler’s Crossing, you’ll be able to see the fireworks!

Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival

It’s almost hot air balloon time in Kyle, Texas! Join us from August 30 – September 1 in the Pie Capital of Texas™ for a pie-themed, family-friendly hot air balloon festival. The annual Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature more than 20 hot air balloons along with live music, children’s activities, pie eating contests, tethered rides and so much more. The three-day Kyle Pie in the Sky festival is a great community event that provides fun for the whole family. Make your Labor Day weekend unforgettable with this summer event!

We hope these summer events inspire you to get out and enjoy the wonderful Kyle, Texas, community! If you’re interested in learning more about our master-planned community with ready to move-in custom built homes in Kyle, then contact Crosswinds today. You can also connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 471216740.

Categories
Family Fun Lifestyle

Have a Sun-Sational Summer with these Sun Protection Tips

School is officially out, and summer is just around the corner, which means more time for all kinds of fun outdoor activities! To keep your family safe from the sun this summer, make sure you’re aware of a few sun protection tips and common misconceptions. At Crosswinds, we know that the sun in Kyle, TX, can get intense, so here are our best skin care tips for a safe summer!

sun protection tips, sun safety, protect your skin from the sun, skin care tips, crosswinds, master-planned community in kyle, kyle, tx

Apply, Apply, Apply

One of the most important, and obvious, sun protection tips is to wear sunscreen. If you want to ensure your kids are protected, you need to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading out in the sun. While applying, remember to cover easily forgotten spots such as the tops of feet, ears, hands and the backs of knees! An SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates a sunscreen’s effectiveness at preventing sunburn. It’s important to know when you need to re-apply sunscreen because you need to apply it more than once a day!

Sun Protection Tips Beyond Sunscreen

Sunscreen is everyone’s go-to when it comes to sun safety, and it’s a great way to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays! There are also other effective ways to protect your skin from the sun. The CDC recommends getting a shirt with tightly woven fabric to keep your loved ones safe from the dangers of skin cancer. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and a hat can protect your eyes, face, scalp, ears and neck. Another great tip is to always be on the lookout for a shady spot!

Common Misconceptions

The most damaging time to be outside is between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, or during midday. Most people spend a portion of this time outdoors, especially those with children, which means you should always be thinking about how to protect yourself from the sun. If it’s a cloudy summer day, sun safety is even more important. Indirect sunlight can often be more dangerous than direct. Don’t be fooled by these common misconceptions, and if you’re ever in doubt, apply some sunscreen!

We hope these sun protection tips help you take better care of your loved ones this summer! If you are interested in learning more about outdoor activities in Kyle, TX or our master-planned community, contact Crosswinds today. You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 1001653442.

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