Category: Lifestyle

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Design Homebuilder Lifestyle

5 Home Design Trends to Watch for 2020

With 2020 only a few months away, this is a good time to explore home design trends for inspiration. If you’re browsing new homes in Kyle, you can take these to your home builder. They typically have designers on their team who can turn your ideas for each room into reality.

The interior design trends of 2020 are all about character, personality, and nature. Check out these five 2020 home design trends you will want to consider.

  1. Minimalism

Less is more especially for those who love a clean and calming environment. Although it tends to have less in a room, minimalism can pack a punch and look beautiful. Furniture containing geometrically-clean shapes and lines provide a touch of elegance. Think Scandinavian style.

  1. Blues

Footwear News reports that Laurie Pressman, VP of Pantone Color Institute, PANTONE’s Color of the Year gets its inspiration from the sea. Products are reflecting the colors of nature including florals and raw earth. However, the sea will be the biggest source of creativity.

Naval color

And confirming blue is going to be hot for 2020 is Sherwin Williams. They have selected Naval SW 6244 as their 2020 Color of the Year. This shade of blue feels calming yet strong. Complementary colors include lighter shades of gold, taupe, and green.

  1. Sustainability

An engineered environment echoes the earth trend. What this means is that designers are using science to find ways to create something that is long-lasting. For example, Ecobird’s line of children’s furniture is made of recycled plastics from discarded children’s toys.

Another growing trend is the use of terrazzo, a composite material with a seamless finish containing flecks of marble, quartz, granite, or glass. It’s been around since the 1920s as it appears widely in art deco. Adding terrazzo in your home will give it a retro-glam look.

  1. Natural Materials

The natural colors of wood continue to be a winner. One of the trends of 2020 is the use of darker wood like chocolate and cinnamon as well as natural cork, which works well on walls and doors. Enhance the spaciousness, warmth, and comfort by playing with the lighting. Wood tends to pop with bright lighting from ceiling lights and spotlights.

  1. Ethnic Elements

Considering the diversity of our world, you have many possibilities in playing with ethnic elements in your space. Maybe you’ve picked up wall hangings on your international travels or browse international-focused shops that offer accents, furniture, and other unique elements to enrich the space.

Changing up the look and feel of a room doesn’t require a complete makeover. Just add an accent or two, a new piece of furniture, or fresh coat of paint can invigorate the space. You can even use contrasting colors, which will create a unique vibe. Ask the Kyle builders about implementing these design ideas in your new home.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Lifestyle

What You Need to Know About Kyle, Texas and Austin

People looking to live in a place with small-town Texas charm that’s a short drive to Austin will want to explore the Kyle, Texas, community. It’s the fifth fastest-growing city in the state of Texas. Residents have many reasons to love living in Kyle and one of the biggies is its location.

Austin Texas skyline

Where Is Kyle, Texas?

Kyle is only 15 miles south of Austin and 63 miles northeast of San Antonio. Known as a gateway to the Hill Country, the town sits right on the I-35 corridor for easy access to retail, entrainment, dining, educational hubs, and business centers.

It’s only 15 miles from shopper’s paradise in San Marcos with its giant outlets. In fewer than 20 minutes, you can be in New Braunfels to float on the Comal River, visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and travel back in history at Gruene Historic District.

As of 2018, Kyle has 47,000 residents with many more to come. The City of Kyle is officially the Pie Capital of Texas. Yes, it’s trademarked by the U.S. Patent of Trademark Office. You have plenty to explore at Kyle historical sites give you a first-hand glimpse into its past.

Its location puts you near some of the best of Austin. Here are some of the Kyle residents’ favorites.

Barton Creek Habitat Preserve

The average high temperature in Kyle for July is 96 degrees. During the summer, residents head up to Barton Creek, which flows 40 miles east through Austin. Then, it remerges in Barton Springs, a spring-fed pool in Austin’s 358-acre Zilker Park. The pool contains four underground springs to maintain its average temperature of a cool 69 degrees, a perfect way to savor summertime.

The Barton Creek Habitat Preserve contains more than 4,000 acres in the Austin suburbs. It protects endangered species like the Barton Springs salamander. The preserve also preserves the water quality of Barton Creek and Barton Springs.

Zilker Park

If you visit Barton Springs, you’ll also want to take advantage of Zilker Park. It happens to be the home of the annual ACL Music Festival. Occurring over two weekends in October, more than 200,000 fans attend the festival to catch their favorites as the lineup contains more than 100 performers.

It’s also where you’ll find Lady Bird Lake, one of the best places to kayak. Surrounding the lake is a hike and bike trail. Every year, radio station KGSR hosts a summer concert series in the park. You can rent boats, browse the botanical garden, explore the nature and science center, or take in a show at Zilker Hillside Theater.

East Austin’s Hip Eateries

Austin has no shortage of restaurants as people rave about the eats there, especially on the east side of town. You’ll find something for everyone with options such as interior Mexican food, artisanal butcher shops, amazing sushi, several breweries, taco trailers, steaks, spun ice cream, several bars and breweries, and of course, barbecue.

People love the walkability of East Austin, and hop from spot to spot enjoying drinks at one place, a meal at another, and dessert at yet another. Just do a search for “east Austin eateries” or check out Eater Austin, and you’ll find a wealth of fabulous suggestions.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)

Whether you go on vacation or a business trip, you have an easy drive to Austin’s airport. Finding the right flight is a breeze with many airlines offering nonstop flights from Austin to many U.S. airports and even Canada, Germany, and London.

Residents love Kyle because it provides a little slice of heaven and a wonderful location with easy access to all the resources they want and need. You can find endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with your neighbors in the Crosswinds community in Kyle.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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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Lifestyle

ENF Technology Announces Plans to Build U.S. Headquarters in Kyle

The city of Kyle is known across the state of Texas for its business-friendly environment, affordable housing and high-quality schools, all of which continue to attract new business in Kyle, TX. ENF Technology, based in South Korea, is the latest company to see the great opportunities Kyle can provide. The company has decided to build its first U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility in Kyle, TX.

Who is ENF Technology?

South Korea-based ENF Technology is a leading global company in the electronic materials market and provides many of these materials to the U.S. high-tech market. Founded in 2000, the company has been a frontrunner in the field of electronic materials with the development of new technology through continual research and development.

Why Kyle, TX?

ENF Technology has decided to open its first U.S. headquarters in Kyle, TX for a variety of reasons. Most notably, ENF provides electronic materials to Texas companies like Samsung, GlobalFoundries, Micro, Texas Instruments and Intel. This new location is expected to primarily serve Samsung Austin Semiconductor, which has been operating in Austin since 1997. ENF also sees the business-friendly environment and great workforce the city of Kyle is known for. Additionally, ENF Technology recognizes the affordable cost of living, award-winning schools and outstanding quality of life available in Kyle, TX for future employees.

Effects of This New Business in Kyle

The City of Kyle and Hays County Commissioners have approved a performance-based economic development agreement with ENF Technology for a five-year property tax rebate, beginning at 75% and declining by 10% each year. The investment ENF Technology is making in the Kyle community is expected to generate nearly $600,000 to the City of Kyle, over $400,000 to Hays County and more than $700,000 to Hays CISD by the end of the five-year agreement. Additionally, ENF Technology is expected to hire 45-50 people to operate the new headquarters, but the company could eventually employ 80.

Hays County officials and the city of Kyle are thrilled to welcome this new business to Kyle, TX! ENF Technology’s U.S. headquarters is expected to break ground in mid-2019 and open in 2020. With all the developments taking place in Kyle, TX, there’s little wonder why Kyle is Austin’s next in-demand suburb. Now is the perfect time to make the move to Kyle, and Crosswinds has a variety of new homes available from the $200s. Contact us today to learn more and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see what life is like at Crosswinds!

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Lifestyle

3 Simple, Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Earth Day near Kyle

Go Earth Day, it’s your Earth Day, we’re gonna party like it’s your Earth Day! Celebrating Earth Day near Kyle doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Here are three simple, yet meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd.

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Keep the Car in the Garage

Switch up your transportation method! Rather than driving to work, try riding your bike or walking to honor Earth Day near Kyle. If your office is not within a comfortable distance, consider public transportation, like a bus or train, or make arrangements with a coworker to carpool. Globally, road transportation currently accounts for 74% of global CO2 emissions. Carpooling or keeping your car at home for the day can end up making a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions!

Plant a Garden

Step outside and plant a garden of your choosing! We recommend you start with a small vegetable garden. Planting a vegetable garden is a huge reward over time – not only will you cut down on carbon emissions involved with getting your produce to the plate, but you’ll also cut down on grocery costs. If you need tip for planting a successful garden, check out this blog. If you don’t think you have the time to start a vegetable garden, though, that’s quite alright! You can start simple with an herb garden or pretty flowers.

Go Meatless for the Day

Meat is a staple in most people’s daily diet, but the excessive demand for meat actually creates a strain on environmental resources. Try eliminating meat for a day and subbing in protein alternatives, such as lentils, beans or tofu. The internet offers countless delicious vegetarian recipes you and the whole family could feast on to celebrate Earth Day.

It’s easy to celebrate Earth Day near Kyle with these simple and affordable tips. Most importantly, this Earth Day get outside and enjoy the outdoors, whether that’s at our master-planned community or somewhere else in Kyle, TX! The best way to remind yourself why we’re fighting so hard to protect our planet is to reconnect with it. If you’re looking for a new home where you can connect with nature every day, contact Crosswinds today! You can also connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 1128598278.

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Family Fun Lifestyle

Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse Opens New Location in Kyle

South Austin’s pizza scene continues to grow with a new Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse location now open in Kyle, TX! The new location opened in March 2019 near our master-planned community in Kyle, making it the perfect place to take your family for pizza night or to meet up with the neighbors for a local beer. Here’s more information about Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse and why we think you’ll love this new neighborhood spot.

About Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse

Elgin-based Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse opened its third location in Kyle, TX this spring off of FM 1628 and Kohlers Crossing. The restaurant, which first opened its doors in 2014, also has a place in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood. Unique pizza offerings and some of the area’s best craft beer are available Sunday – Thursday from 11am – 9:30pm and Friday – Saturday from 11am – 11pm.

Specialty & Build Your Own Pizzas

The pizzeria sets itself apart with the pizza dough, it’s drizzled with pizza oil infused with rosemary. Each pie is topped with homemade pizza sauce and some of the area’s freshest ingredients. Popular specialty pizzas include the “South Austin,” made with prosciutto, goat cheese and arugula tossed in homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette, and “The Greek,” which features a pesto base, Kalamata olives, mushrooms, artichoke, feta and fresh basil. If you’re in the mood to get creative with your pizza, you can build your own with a variety of vegetables, proteins and sauces.

More Than Just Pizza

If you want to try something new, Aviator Pizza and Drafthouse’s menu doesn’t stop at pizza. Start with focaccia bread sticks, a cheese board or a fresh salad and then select from one of the many grinder sandwiches or calzones. Leave room for something sweet and order a dessert pizza or an ice cream treat. Does all this food have you feeling thirsty? The restaurant has an extensive selection of local craft beers and unique wines. You can stop by for happy hour and enjoy $1 off select pints and wines on Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm.

This new, family-friendly spot is a must for people who love pizza near Kyle! Come by on Wednesday nights for Family Pizza Night and enjoy classic focaccia bread, a medium specialty pizza and a large one topping pizza for less than $30! Since this is a new spot near our master-planned community in Kyle, we recommend going early and coming hungry. You can connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be the first to know about other new restaurants coming soon to the area. If you’d like to learn more about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Area Attractions Lifestyle

Boozy Bark in San Marcos Now Open Near Crosswinds

In Texas, there are few things we love more than our furry family members. The Boozy Bark in San Marcos knows just how important it is for our dogs to remain happy and care-free, even when we’re busy. This new doggy daycare opened in early 2019 near our master-planned community in Kyle and we think it’s a great spot for dogs and humans alike.

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(Image via Facebook.com)

About The Boozy Bark in San Marcos

The doggy daycare, boarding and light grooming facility offers indoor and outdoor play for your pup, rain or shine. Starting this summer, The Boozy Bark will have a BYOB off-leash dog park where visitors can socialize and let their dogs play. If your dog needs a bath after a long day of fun, The Boozy Bark can help with that too! The Boozy Bark in San Marcos is deeply committed to the well-being and safety of each and every dog and owner.

Boozy Bark Hours, Location & Boarding

Dropping your dog off at doggy daycare near Kyle is easy thanks to a convenient location and flexible hours. The Boozy Bark is situated right off of Highway 123 on Broadway Street in San Marcos and is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Drop off is typically between 7-10am, while pickup is from 4-7pm. Furry visitors are split into play groups according to size and temperament, with 1 outdoor and 2 indoor play yards available! After your pup has completed the play day evaluation, it’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.

Boozy Bark Light Grooming

At The Boozy Bark, they understand the importance of keeping your little companion happy, healthy and clean. The available light grooming includes an optional “Tipsy Bath,” featuring a shampoo, towel dry and ear cleaning. You can also upgrade to the “Boozy Bath,” which includes a shampoo, condition, towel dry, ear cleaning and nail trim. Currently, grooming is offered as an add-on service for daycare and boarding pups only. To schedule an appointment, call 512-620-1291 or visit the website for more details.

We can assure you The Boozy Bark in San Marcos is a dog’s paradise and soon it could be yours as well. This summer you’ll be able to relax with a beer while your dog is busy socializing in our off-leash dog park. Follow The Boozy Bark on Facebook to stay up to date with the progress and be the first to know about new offerings and availability. You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you’d like to learn more about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Lifestyle

3 Secrets for a Successful Texas Spring Garden

What better way to welcome spring than by getting outside and planting a garden in the backyard of your new home in Kyle? To help cultivate your Texas spring garden, our master-planned community put together some gardening tips and a planting guide for you to use.

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1. Prune Your Spring Garden

If any of your existing shrubs require pruning, a helpful trick is to wait until the flowers fade to take out your trimmers. This will ensure that your plants and trees bloom nicely in the coming year. Additionally, if you notice any of the flowers in your garden are dying, cut them back. The act of “deadheading” your flowers reduces pest and disease problems and encourages your plants to bloom. Lastly, be sure to clean up your spring garden by removing any fallen leaves from last season, as well as any debris or muck.

2. Mulch Matters

The absolute best way to save yourself time and energy when it comes to your Texas spring garden is to spread mulch! We recommend laying down 2-3 inches of mulch in your garden. This gardening tip will help prevent the growth of most weeds and will keep the soil moist during the hot Texas summer. For added nutrients, you can add clay or sand to your mulch.

3. A Helpful Planting Guide

During spring, you can plant cool-season varieties of vegetables, as they’ll survive any frosty weather that might occur. These vegetables include cauliflower, peas, broccoli, lettuce and radishes. Warm-season varieties, such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and okra, should be planted when the soil consistently reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Test the soil temperature by walking across the soil barefoot. If the soil is still too cold, but you want to get a head start on planting your warm-season vegetables, start by planting them in pots indoors. When the weather warms up, you can begin to acclimate the vegetables to the outdoors by transporting them outside.

Add life to your new home in Kyle with beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables! As the weather gets warmer, you can use our gardening tips to help you plant and nurture a Texas spring garden. Looking for a new home where you can plant a spring garden? Contact Crosswinds today to learn more about available homes. You can also connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via Getty Images. Creative number 173882756.

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