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Blog Lifestyle Tips

Sweet Dreams: Tips for Better Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for both our body’s physical and mental health. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you get more Zzzzs when you hit the sack. 

 

Establish a Sleep Schedule 

 

Establishing a schedule that will better help you get a consistent number of hours of sleep each night is key. In the same way, a routine is beneficial for exercise; a sleep routine will improve the quality of your sleep and better maintain the benefits of sleep. 

 

A few things to keep in mind when establishing a sleep schedule:

 

  • Set a specific “lights out” time
  • Avoid afternoon naps as these can throw off going to sleep at the same time each night 

 

Create a Bedtime Ritual

 

In order to be ready to actually go to sleep each night at a specific time and not find yourself staring wide-eyed at the ceiling when you do turn off the light, a relaxing bedtime ritual can make all the difference. 

 

A warm bath or shower can help your body relax, but you may also want to do some light stretching or practice some breathing exercises. This will help send the signal to both your brain and body that the day is done, and now it’s time to sleep. 

 

And as simple as it might seem, brushing your teeth also sends a signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

 

Create a Peaceful Sleep Environment

 

Sure you may be able to sleep through a passing freight train, but that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial to healthy sleep. Noise can easily disrupt the sleep cycle, so you’ll want to do your best to block out any outside noise. Using earplugs or a white noise machine can be very helpful with this.

 

Other elements for a peaceful sleep environment should include:

 

  • A comfortable and cool temperature
  • A comfortable mattress and pillow
  • A dark room. You may want to use blackout curtains or a sleep mask.

 

Limit Screen Time

 

It’s a good idea to kill screen time at least an hour before you turn out the light. Blue screen light disrupts the release of melatonin (your body’s natural sleepytime hormone) and can make falling asleep difficult. So, get in the habit of establishing an electronics curfew.

 

Some people can read books (the traditional kind, not on a tablet) before bed, but others may find that even this is too much brain stimulation. Figure out what works best for you and stick to it. 

 

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

 

It’s not only important that we limit our brain stimulation before sleep, but our physical stimulation as well. You may want to avoid strenuous exercises for several hours before going to bed, as this can “wake up” muscle groups. It’s also a good idea to abstain from any sort of stimulant, such as nicotine, sugar, or caffeine, four to five hours before bed. 

 

Alcohol and spicy foods can also disrupt sleep patterns, so if you plan on enjoying a few margaritas and tacos, do so several hours before bedtime. 

A comfortable bedroom in a home you love can make all the difference when it comes to a good night’s rest. If you’re looking for the perfect home, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Fitness Goals: Fun Ways to Stay Active in January

It’s no secret that the start of the new year is a popular time for folks to set fitness goals. January happens to be the busiest time of the year for gyms (which is very apparent in the shortage of treadmills the first week after New Year’s), with the month accounting for 12% of new gym memberships. 

 

If you’re looking to stay active in January, here are a few ways besides simply signing up for a membership at the local gym. 

 

Try Online Fitness Classes

 

The January gym scene isn’t everybody’s bag. We get it. If you still want the class fitness setting but don’t want to battle the crowds for a spot on the floor, consider signing up for a virtual fitness class. 

 

Virtual fitness classes don’t carry the same pressure that some might feel with an in-person class and the varieties available are nearly endless. From pilates and yoga to kickboxing, Zumba, and dance, there’s something for everyone. And if you don’t want to work out completely solo, you can always invite a few friends over to participate in the virtual fitness class with you. 

 

Join an Adult Sports League

 

The best way to get fit and stay fit is to find an exercise that you enjoy. If you enjoyed playing sports in your youth, joining an adult sports league might be the perfect fit. Basketball, hockey, and indoor soccer all have fall/winter season leagues for adults and can be a great way to burn some calories and scratch the itch for some friendly competition. 

 

Not only is joining an adult sports league a fantastic way to stay active in the colder months, but it’s also a great way to make new friends in the process. 

 

Hit the Skating Rink

 

Skating (whether it be ice or roller) can be a great way to work in some exercise during the colder weather months. If it’s been a while since you put on a pair of roller skates and the idea of hitting the rink under glowing disco lights leaves you in a cold sweat, don’t worry. The Austin Roller Rink offers group, private, and even trick classes for anyone looking for some extra instruction. 

 

If cutting figure 8s on the ice is more your thing, there are a number of ice skating rinks in the Austin area, many of them offering instructional classes. 

 

Trail Running

 

There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout the Texas Hill Country, and lacing up your trail sneakers is a great way to stay in shape. Texas’ trails are always popular during the fall, spring, and summer months, but January… not so much. Many people tend to shy away from hiking in the colder months, but their loss equals your gain because the trails are a lot less crowded. 

 

You’ll want to dress and plan accordingly, though. Check the weather forecast before you head out to be sure you’re dressed warm enough. Opting for layers is a good idea, too, as your body will naturally heat up the longer you run. It’s also smart to let somebody know when and where you’ll be running before you hit the trail. 

 

Enjoying a jog or brisk walk on the trail system within the Crosswinds community is a convenient way to get in some cardio at the start or end of the day. 

To learn more about the Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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Blog Homebuilder Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas

New Year, New Home: Benefits of Buying in the New Year

The warm and sunny weather compounded with the end of a school year tends to make summer the busiest season for potential home buyers – but don’t discount buying a home in the winter. Buying a home at the start of the new year can have major advantages. 

 

Less Buyer Competition

 

While fewer homes hit the sales market in the winter season, the competition for those homes is significantly less than in the summer. There are a few reasons for this. Many families don’t want to uproot their children from their schools mid-year. People also tend to stay inside more and don’t want the hassle of moving during the coldest months of the year. 

 

This can work to a buyer’s advantage as it means less possibility of a bidding war. With fewer home buyers, sellers may also be more inclined to take a lower offer in order to finalize the sale of a home. 

 

Better Prices

 

Oftentimes, sellers who list their homes during the winter months rather than during the busier summer season are very motivated to sell. Whether the listing is due to a job change or financial reasons, this can work to the buyer’s advantage as the seller may be more flexible on the price because of the smaller buyer market. 

 

Similarly, if a home that was on the market during the summer or fall months still hasn’t sold by the time winter rolls around, it’s very likely the sellers will be highly motivated to sell and drop the price.

 

Realistic Conditions

 

Winter weather elements can be especially harsh on homes. This can work to a buyer’s advantage, however, as it allows them to put a potential home through its paces and see how it handles cold and wet winter weather conditions.

 

Drafty windows and doors will give themselves away during winter months, whereas during the spring and summer, this will be less apparent. If, during a January home visit, the potential home is warm, toasty, and dry, then you can bet it will stay cool during the hot summer months as well. 

 

Faster Closing Times

 

With fewer transactions taking place during the winter months, mortgage companies have lighter workloads. This means that you’re getting packed up, and moved into your new home that much faster. A quicker closing time will make moving less stressful, particularly if you have children who are in school. 

 

Crosswinds Homes at a Glance

 

If you’re looking to move into a new home this winter, then consider Crosswinds. It was thoughtfully designed to offer homeowners all the benefits of a master-planned community, such as extensive amenities, a convenient location in the Texas Hill Country, and a range of home designs, sizes, and price points. 

All of the homes within Crosswinds were constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. If you’re looking to kick off 2025 with a new home, reach out to us today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Tips

Tidy Up After the Holidays: Tips For Holiday Storage

With the holiday season and another year in the rearview, you might find yourself looking around the house and feeling that some decluttering is needed. Hey, no shame here! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season, only to find yourself knee-deep in shipping boxes, decorations, and general wintertime clutter come January. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you tidy up after the holidays and get your home back in order. 

 

Wrap Up Your Christmas Tree

 

Decorating the Christmas tree is a lot of fun and often a memorable way for families to come together. When it comes to undecorating it though, don’t be surprised if there’s a lack of zeal among your household. 

 

A super simple way to make putting the Christmas tree away a breeze is to just wrap it up. Christmas tree covers allow you to simply throw a specially fitted tarp over your tree, lights and all and put it away for storage. An even cheaper way that reportedly works just as well is wrapping it in saran wrap. If you have fragile ornaments, it’s advised to first remove those. 

 

Smart Storage

 

When it comes to storing holiday decorations, how you go about it makes all the difference. Fragile tree ornaments can be especially tricky to store. A great way to keep them safe is to buy a large plastic storage bin and store each ornament in its own plastic cup or container for extra protection. Just be sure not to overpack the bin. 

 

Nobody likes untangling a ball of Christmas lights that were haphazardly put away the previous year, so store them smartly. Wrap the smaller lights around tightly rolled-up newspapers, and for the larger jumbo lights, take a few stiff pieces of cardboard and cut out a slot on each end to make a spool. 

 

Combine and Reorganize

 

If you are the sort of person who likes to have certain decorations in the same spot year after year, then this is one tip you’ll certainly want to utilize. Consider grouping your decorations by room. 

 

What we mean by that is when you put each of your decorations away in storage, don’t simply label the box “Xmas lights” or “holiday table runners”; also label them by room. “Christmas knick-knacks – living room” or “holiday towels, upstairs guest bath” will help make things easy to find and streamline putting those decorations back on display when the holiday season rolls around again. 

 

Declutter

 

Some holiday decorations are treasured keepsakes that get passed down through generations. Others, however, are lucky if they survive two Christmases. Doing a little bit of decluttering as you put away the decorations will help free up storage space and… (bonus) give you a reason to buy new decorations next year!

 

Assess each decoration for what you want to keep, what is trash, and what is still in decent condition, but you’d rather not hold onto it and donate instead. 

Celebrating the holidays in a home you love makes the season and new year all the more special. If you’re looking to find a new home you can make your own, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Family Fun

Unique New Year’s Eve Traditions from Around the World

Whereas many celebrations are limited to specific countries and cultures, welcoming in a new year is a celebration that spans around the entire globe. Here in the United States, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a countdown, a glass of champagne, and maybe a New Year’s kiss, but other countries have their own unique spin on ushering in January 1st. 

 

Here are some New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world that you may want to incorporate into your own festivities this year. 

 

Spain’s Grape Tradition – Spain is known, of course, for its wine, and while plenty of it is consumed on New Year’s Eve, the last 12 seconds of the year are reserved for grapes. As the countdown to a new year begins, Spaniards hurry to eat 12 green grapes. If you fail to consume them all before the clock strikes midnight, you might just have bad luck, but if you get them all down, then 12 months of good fortune awaits you. 

 

Philippines’ Round Fruits – Here’s an easy one to incorporate if you’re looking for a new New Year’s tradition. Head to your local grocery store and pick up 12 round fruits. The shape of the fruits symbolizes prosperity and wealth for each month of the new year. Not to mention all those apples, melons, grapes, and nectarines will make a wonderful table centerpiece for any celebrations you might have. 

 

Scotland’s First Footing – If you’re in Scotland, it’s especially important that you pay attention to who enters your home in the new year. Known as “first footing,” a special emphasis is placed on the first person to enter a house after midnight in the new year. A dark-haired male is the ideal first footer, as this person is said to protect against bad luck. The first footer should also not be empty-handed, as this could bring about financial misfortune. 

 

Greece Onions – In Greece, it’s a New Year’s custom to hang a bushel of onions from your door as a symbol of rebirth. The tradition goes all the way back to ancient Greece when onions were noted for their vitality, sprouting even with no care at all. The onions are typically hung on the door after attending a New Year’s Day church service to kick off the new year. 

 

Japan’s Soba Noodles – Soba noodles are a popular ingredient in Japanese ramen, and the food holds a special place on New Year’s Eve when it’s eaten just before midnight. The Toshikoshi soba, which translates to a “year-crossing,” is a buckwheat noodle with special symbolism. The especially long noodle is usually cut, signifying a letting go of any regrets from the previous year to bring about a fresh start. 

 

Colombia’s 3 Potatoes – It’s customary in the South American country to place three potatoes – one peeled, one unpeeled, and one half peeled – under your bed on New Year’s Eve. Then, at midnight, you pull out the first potato you touch. A peeled potato means financial woes, an unpeeled spud means abundance and a half-peeled tater means a mix of both. 

However you celebrate the new year, nothing beats ringing in 2025 in a home that you love. If you’re looking to settle into your dream home, contact the Crosswinds team today to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

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Blog Family Fun

Sip into the Season: Festive Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes!

The holiday season is, without a doubt, the most delicious time of the year, and when it comes to drinks, the possibilities are nearly endless. From sour to sweet, tart to zesty, consider trying out these cocktail and mocktail holiday libations to put an extra bit of jolly in your step. 

 

Cocktails

 

Cranberry Mimosas – Nicknamed the Poinsettia cocktail after the holiday flower, this libation is perfect for a Christmas morning brunch. The cranberries add a tartness that compliments the champagne perfectly with just a hint of sweetness. 

 

  • 1 lime, halved
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 8 ounces of sweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 bottle champagne
  • 12 fresh cranberries
  • 4 small sprigs fresh rosemary

 

Sugar Plum Fairy Cocktail – If you’re looking to put a little holiday magic in your cup, this Nutcracker-themed martini should do the trick. It’s perfect for a holiday party with some glitz that’s refined but still fun. 

 

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce plum simple syrup
  • 1/2 ounce lemon or grapefruit juice
  • 1 egg white 

 

Spiced Apple Cider Mule – Moscow Mules are a classic cocktail, but the vodka-based drink easily adapts to a holiday beverage that is perfect for sipping in front of a roaring fire on a chilly December night. 

 

  • 4 ounces warm apple cider
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ounce lime juice1 
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 4 ounces of ginger beer
  • cinnamon stick for garnish

 

Mocktails

 

Holiday Berry Fizz – Perfect for the kiddos or anybody who simply wants to skip on the booze, this sweet sip makes an ideal after-dinner seasonal treat. 

 

  • 1 10-ounce bag sliced frozen strawberries, defrosted
  • 2 Tbsp of honey
  • 1 8-ounce bag of frozen blueberries, defrosted
  • 4 ounces of ginger beer
  • 1 bottle of sparkling white grape juice

 

Gingerbread Mocktail – Now, if you’re in need of a dessert in a glass, this soon-to-be classic mocktail takes the iconic holiday gingerbread house and adapts it into a drink that taps into holiday memories of Christmas past. 

 

  • 2 Tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp molasses 
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • pinch nutmeg
  • pinch of cloves
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 4 ounces of ginger beer

 

Citrus Sparkler – This crisp beverage is perfect for laying around the house after the kiddos have opened presents and you need a little bit of vitamin C to balance out that second cup of coffee.

 

  • 2 Tbsp orange zest
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • (Let sit overnight to make orange simple syrup)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup tangerine juice
  • ½ club soda
  • lime slice for garnish

Whether it’s entertaining for a holiday happy hour or making mocktails for your crew at breakfast, nothing beats spending the holidays in a home you love. If you’d like to learn more about the available inventory in the Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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Blog Family Fun

Jingle All the Way: Tips For Hosting a Virtual Holiday Gathering

Nothing beats getting together with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season, but gathering together in person isn’t always possible due to work schedules, distance, or any number of factors. 

 

Thanks to the wonders of technology, virtual gatherings allow people on entirely different continents to spend time together. 

 

Here are a few tips for hosting a virtual holiday gathering that won’t have you saying “bah humbug.”

 

Set a Date

 

Like any get-together, the success of a virtual holiday gathering is dependent, first and foremost, on an agreed time and date. The host of the party should pick a party date and send out a Zoom link to all invited, preferably a few days in advance. 

 

Okay, now that the mandatory stuff is out of the way, it’s time to focus on the fun part of the party planning!

 

Make it Fun

 

A Zoom meet-up over the holidays should never be boring. From bingo to ugly sweaters and cookie decorating, creating some virtual Christmas magic just requires a little creativity. 

 

Ugly Sweater Party – People like to dress up during the holidays, even if that means putting on a sweater they wouldn’t normally be caught dead in. This classic holiday party works fantastic on a virtual level, as there’s a level of anticipation that builds with each new person who logs in. 

 

Take things up a notch and challenge your guests to contend for the ugliest holiday sweater, with a secret prize going to the winner. 

 

Keep Things Crafty – Put together a holiday craft kit ahead of time that you can send out to each invited party guest. (If you have a large number of guests or a tight budget, then you may want to send out a list of supplies your guests can purchase themselves ahead of time.)

 

You’ll want to keep the craft ideas relatively simple for those guests who haven’t used a bottle of glue since elementary school. This idea not only allows guests to get a little creative, but gives them a keepsake to cherish as well. 

 

Holiday Games – Games and holiday parties go together like Santa and cookies. A classic game is Christmas bingo. You’ll want to distribute a bingo card to each guest with their invite. Players then check off the various boxes as the virtual holiday party progresses. 

 

If your crew is more of a trivia bunch, then games like “Name That Christmas Tune” could be a hit. Have one party guest act as the DJ playing a holiday song, with party guests chiming in to see who can name the song the quickest. 

 

Cook Something Up – Food is a must for any party, especially around the holidays. A cookie decorating party is great fun, as everyone loves the smell of freshly baked cookies. If you know your guests are regular bakers, then supply everyone with a recipe ahead of time they can bake together. 

 

If not everyone is a baking champion in training, then going the slice-and-bake route with a few cans of frosting and sprinkles is still a winning recipe for a delicious time. 

Whether hosting a party in-person or virtually, sharing a home you love with others is always a blessing. If you’d like to learn more about the available inventory of homes in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Bite into Bliss: Best Burgers in Kyle, Texas

When it comes to a good bite, it’s hard to beat a solid burger. If you’re in the mood for a burger that won’t disappoint, check out these local burger joints. 

 

Big Rob’s (15 min drive) – Some folks like sliders, while others want a burger that challenges the limits of the human jaw. If you’re in the latter camp, then this is the burger joint to visit. Big Rob’s does not skimp on the “big” part of the name and serves up burgers that customers often need a knife and fork to tackle. 

 

The restaurant offers a range of burgers with names like El Jefe (a triple cheeseburger) and Rise N Shine (a half-pounder topped with a fried egg and bacon), along with patty melts, chicken sandwiches, and of course, baskets of tots and fries. 

 

Sharks Burger (6 min drive) – We can’t confirm if Sharks Burger is in a battle with Big Rob’s for the biggest burgers in Kyle, but it wouldn’t surprise us. With burgers like the Great White (two patties and white cheddar cheese) and the Beyond Burger (Beyond Meat patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, on a brioche bun), this is a restaurant ready to take a bite out of any appetite. 

 

While the burger joint is housed in the Valero gas station, don’t be put off by the location. Sharks Burger uses only high-quality ingredients, and based on customer reviews, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. 

 

Willies Grill & Ice House (7 min drive) This local spot is the perfect place to grab a few drinks with friends after work or swing by for some good grub on game day. It also has a menu that offers something for everyone with customer favorites like chicken fried steak, nachos, strawberry pecan salad – even gumbo. 

 

Of course, we’d be remiss, not to mention the burgers. Willies has six different burgers on the menu, each weighing in at a hefty half-pound. Whether you opt for a turkey patty or beef, cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, bacon, or mushrooms, be sure to also order up the perfect sidekick – hand-breaded onion rings or fried pickles. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers (7 min drive) – Mighty Fine Burgers puts its money where its mouth is, using 100% fresh, all-natural Angus beef that is ground on-site and hand-formed right in front of the customer. The result is a burger that is everything a classic American burger should be – simple and delicious. 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers come in two sizes, half and quarter pounds, and are served with lettuce, diced onion, tomatoes, and pickles. If you’re not in a burger mood (or are just super hungry), the menu also offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and a fried avocado BLT! Finish the meal off with a hand-dipped milkshake and thank us later. 

 

Flamin Burger (15 min drive) – This local burger joint keeps things simple, but that’s a good thing. Customers have three burger sizes to choose from: Inferno (single patty), Blazin (double patty), and Scorchin (triple patty). Customers say the burgers are “charred to perfection,” and an order of the zesty firecracker fries dipped in the Magic Sauce is the perfect way to round out the meal. 

 

In a day and age where eating out is getting more and more expensive, kudos are due to Flamin Burger for keeping the single patty Inferno incredibly affordable at just $5. With such a cheap burger, don’t be surprised if you still have money left in your wallet to splurge on one of the shakes for dessert. 

One of the best things about the Crosswinds community is its convenient access to so many great restaurants. If you’re looking for a new home, reach out to our team today.

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips

Transform Your Space: Bold Accent Wall Ideas

Accent walls are a creative way to give a room a unique vibe that makes a bold statement. Here are a few ways to turn a not-so-impressive wall into a centerpiece that grabs the attention of the entire room. 

 

Pops of Color – The idea behind any good accent wall is to act as the room’s focal point, and nothing draws the eye away from three bland walls like a wall that has a pop of color. 

 

When deciding on the accent wall, pick a wall with purpose. The eye should be drawn to it as soon as you enter the room. Choose your color carefully, too, as the color in space impacts mood. If the other three walls are a darker color, then go for a lighter accent wall, and choose a darker color if the other walls are on the lighter side. 

 

Create a Gallery Wall – The art gallery is a classic accent wall idea and functions as the perfect showcase for a person’s personality and creativity. Before you start hammering nails into the wall, consider these tips to create a gallery wall that is cohesive. 

 

  • Begin with a large piece of art to act as an anchor for the wall.
  • Aim for a mix of horizontal and vertical frames to keep things interesting.
  • Mix up your frame colors and styles.
  • Don’t be afraid to blend art styles. An oil landscape painting can live harmoniously beside a framed drawing from your kid.

 

Create a Photo Album Wall – Family photo walls are a great way to display family moments and add a personal touch to the home. Similar to an art gallery wall, a mix of picture sizes and frame styles can work incredibly well, yet photo album walls are a bit more forgiving if you do want all your frames to be the same size and style. 

 

Black and white photo album walls add a classic touch, but color photos are equally as appealing. Even something as simple as draping a ribbon across a wall and using clothespins to hang polaroids can create a playful photo wall with minimal cost. 

 

Wallpaper – Wallpaper trends come and go (which can be frustrating if you’ve ever tried to remove it), but if you’re curious about it and don’t want to commit to a full room, an accent wall is a perfect compromise. 

 

Using wallpaper for an accent wall creates a striking focal point that adds depth, personality, and visual interest to any room. Peel and stick versions of wallpaper are available in thousands of styles and are easy to apply. 

 

Shelving and Lighting – If space is a commodity, then creating an accent wall with shelving is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Floating shelves create visual appeal and add an element of storage space to a room. They can also be a fun way to showcase anything from art to family photos, memorabilia, or house plants. 

 

Similarly, wall lights are a wonderful way to completely transform a room and compliment the space’s design or furnishings. 

 

A home should be more than just a place where you live, but is an expression of who you are.

If you’re in search of your dream home, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Amenities Blog Lifestyle Tips

Holiday Hustle: Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

Whether it’s traveling, figuring out a shopping budget, planning big meals, or keeping the peace at family gatherings, the holiday hustle can be exhausting. 

 

Here are a few ways to stay merry and bright throughout the holiday season. 

 

Don’t Skip on Exercise

 

Many people tend to hit pause on the gym come Thanksgiving and vow to start exercising again after New Year’s. This is a mistake. 

 

Making time for regular exercise (at least 2-3 days a week) will help you stay healthy during the holidays in a number of ways. 

 

  • Reduces stress
  • Provides an energy boost
  • Strengthens your immune system
  • Can prevent weight gain 

 

Nobody wants to end the year sick, tired, and feeling like they put on unwanted weight, so get in some cardio!

 

Travel Smart

 

Travel during the holidays can be especially tiring, and with so many people passing through airports and roadside travel centers, it’s especially easy to pick up a bug. 

 

A key tip to avoid getting sick is to follow the advice of your kindergarten teacher and wash your hands. Always wash them after using a public restroom, preparing to eat a meal, or after passing through a baggage checkpoint. (Keeping hand sanitizer on you isn’t a bad idea either.)

 

If you have a compromised immune system or are getting over an illness, masking up when passing through airports, subways, or crowded areas is also a good precaution. 

 

Hydration is Key

 

Speaking of travel, flying naturally dehydrates the body, so make a point to drink lots of water. Even if you’re not traveling for the holidays, drinking plenty of water is still good. People tend to eat more sugar and salt during the holiday season, and drinking water will help to keep your body hydrated. 

 

It’s also wise to drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. This will go a long way in preventing that dreaded holiday office party hangover. 

 

Healthy Eating 

 

Perhaps no other time of year is full of mouthwatering treats and recipes than the holiday season. It’s no secret that many holiday dishes are full of calories, and those calories can quickly add up.

 

You don’t need to forgo pie and stuffing completely, but simple holiday healthy eating tips like doubling up on veggies, skipping seconds, and not shopping on an empty stomach can go a long way in keeping extra weight off. 

 

And if you’re in charge of the cooking, opting for healthier versions of holiday dishes will help balance out the extra plate of cookies. 

 

Manage Holiday Stress

 

The holidays can be stressful even for those who seemingly have nerves of steel. Recognizing what causes that holiday stress is the key to managing it. If you feel like you “have to do everything,” then taking on less and saying “no” more often can take extra pressure off your plate. 

 

If relatives are a source of stress, then it’s important to set boundaries. As the saying goes, “You can’t change how others act, but you can determine how you respond.”

The holidays are a wonderful time and enjoying them in a home you love makes the festivities even more special. If you’re looking for your dream home, contact our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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