Category: Tips

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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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Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Mastering Meal Prep: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Families

Families are busier than ever, but thankfully, meal prep is one area of life where a few time-saving strategies can make all the difference. 

 

Make a Meal Plan

 

The first step to any good meal plan is creating a master list of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that you know your family will actually eat. You’ll want to be sure and mix in enough variety so that your family members aren’t rolling their eyes by week three. 

 

From there, you’ll need to decide on what meals you plan on cooking that week and take inventory of what’s already in the kitchen before you head to the grocery store. You’ll want to do this around the same day each week to get in the habit of making this part of the weekly routine. 

 

Freezer Meals for Busy Days

 

Even with a good meal plan, there are probably going to be those days when, by 9 AM, it’s obvious that there’s not going to be enough time in the day to cook a full meal. This is where the freezer meal backup plan comes in. 

 

You’ll want to carve out some time in your schedule when you know you can make an extra meal that you can put in the freezer for those super busy days. How many you want to keep on deck is up to you (and how big your freezer is), but two or three never hurts. 

 

Some meals freeze better than others, so be sure to pick recipes that thaw well. Stews and casseroles are usually a safe bet. 

 

Simplify Recipes

 

Everyone likes a home-cooked meal made from scratch. The problem is that “from scratch” can be very time-consuming. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to simplify many classic recipes and still deliver a delicious meal the family will love. 

 

Here are a few simple ways to take some of the work out of recipes:

 

  • Opt for canned veggies over fresh
  • Buy frozen or pre-sliced veggies
  • Ask your grocery butcher to slice the meat you’d like to buy
  • Invest in an Instant Pot or Crock Pot
  • Instead of slicing garlic or ginger, buy the already-minced version
  • Toss your meats and veggies on a baking sheet for an easy sheet pan dinner
  • Make use of a preheating oven for roasting veggies that aren’t as sensitive to a fully heated oven

 

Involve the Family

 

There’s no reason not to get the entire family involved if they’re going to be eating the food, too. (Okay, babies and toddlers might be more trouble in the kitchen than help, but everyone else…) Bringing in the entire family to help with some aspect of the meal prep can take part of the load off your shoulders and will also help children be more confident and independent in the kitchen. 

 

Even if it’s something as simple as grabbing a box of pasta from the pantry, dumping in a can of corn, or stirring a pot of chicken noodle soup, kids (and spouses) will gradually feel more comfortable and probably even enjoy helping with meal prep. 

A well-designed and functional kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to meal prep. To learn more about the amenities and floor plans of the homes in the Crosswinds community, contact our team today.

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Blog Events Family Fun Tips

Headstart on the Holidays

It may still be plenty hot in Texas, but make no mistake about it… fall is on the way! From Halloween all the way up through the Christmas season, here are a few pointers to help you get a head start on the holidays. 

 

Get Your Home Prepped Inside and Out

 

From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving meals and New Year’s soirees, a home can see a lot of foot traffic during the holiday season. In order you save yourself some time (and stress), a little bit of prep work in advance can go a long way. 

 

  • Prep your lawn with the final fertilization of the season and give it a one-last mow once you’ve raked and bagged the last of the leaves. 

 

  • Seal up any air leaks around draft doors or windows. 

 

  • Repair any damaged walkways and add adequate lighting since the days will be getting shorter. 

 

  • Add some curb appeal to your front door with a festive wreath. 

 

  • Give your carpets and drapes a thorough cleaning.

 

  • Take some time to dust the interior light fixtures in your home, as well as ceiling fans. 

 

  • Clean your baseboards and touch up any interior/exterior paint blemishes. 

 

Holiday Budgeting 

 

The holiday season is a lot of fun, but all of that fun can also take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s still plenty of time, however, to work out a game plan for your holiday budget so you’re not looking at a stack of unpaid bills come January. 

 

  1. List out your holiday expenses. Write out a detailed list of what you can afford to spend for holiday travel, decorations, food, gifts, etc. It’s best to break this up per holiday and give yourself some flex room. 

 

  1. Resist using credit cards as much as possible. Yes, they’re convenient, but making gifts or any sort of frivolous purchase will only leave you with a bigger bill to pay once the holiday season has passed. Unless you’re disciplined to pay your credit card down in full at the end of each month, opt for cash as much as possible. 

 

  1. Don’t be afraid to set financial boundaries. If you have more expenses this year than the previous, then be upfront with your family that you’re working with a tighter budget and may have to cut back on travel or gift spending.

 

Recruit Some Help

 

Setting up a killer haunted house for the neighborhood kids or hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people is a lot of work – so don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have a friend or family member who is especially good at decorating, then ask if they’d be willing to help out for an afternoon. Are your pie-making skills lacking but your aunt is a baking champion? Then, be sure to tell her how much you admire her pies and ask if she’d be willing to handle dessert duty at Christmas dinner. 

 

Nearly everyone is busy during the holidays, but people also tend to be especially open to helping out and spreading a little holiday cheer, so reach out and ask for a helping hand. 

Looking for the perfect home to settle into this fall? Go ahead and contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Recipe Revolution: Spice up Your Dinner Routine

Every home cook has tried-and-true recipes; however, after years of preparing these dishes, it can be easy to get burned out and find yourself in a recipe rut. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to expand one’s prowess in the kitchen, and finding a recipe for nearly any dish is often just a click away. 

 

If your dinner routine needs some spicing up, consider incorporating these tips into meal planning. 

 

Try a Cooking Class

 

Cooking classes are one of the best ways to learn new skills in the kitchen. Not only do you get hands-on experience from a trained instructor, but a class offers the opportunity to ask questions versus simply trying to follow along with Martha Stewart on television. 

 

Online cooking classes via sites like MasterClass offer instruction from world-renowned chefs, but nothing beats an in-person class. Austin area classes from Kitchen Underground and Central Market offer instruction to a range of skill levels with a focus on everything from vegan cooking to desserts and barbecues. 

 

Head to the Library

 

Cookbooks offer recipes and tips for nearly every type of diet and cuisine imaginable. Buying all those cookbooks can also be incredibly expensive – and then there’s the risk of only liking one or two recipes. 

 

An easy way to offset this cost is to head to the Kyle Public Library. You’ll be able to let your inner foodie run wild, picking and choosing different cookbooks to try without having to pay bookstore prices. 

 

Cook Up a Culinary Tour Around the World

 

If you’re bored in the kitchen and looking to expand your culinary palate, why not incorporate more recipes from different cultures into your meal planning? 

 

Start with maybe one or two new meals a week from each continent and work in different countries as you discover new cuisines you like. Not only is it a guaranteed way to keep mealtime interesting, but you’ll likely discover ingredients you would have never used otherwise. 

 

Experiment With a New Ingredient

 

Speaking of new ingredients, adding a new ingredient to your repertoire can open up a world of new flavors. Most chefs would advise, though, that you start small when trying a new ingredient, as too much of a strong herb or spice can easily overpower a dish. 

 

Another technique worth exploring is finding unconventional ways of using everyday ingredients – like mayo – that you may not have otherwise considered. 

 

Farmers Market Finds

 

Nothing amps up the flavor in a new recipe quite like using fresh ingredients, and one of the best places to grab fresh ingredients is the farmers market. 

 

For fresh local food items, check out Kyle Market Days running the second Saturday of each month from spring through early fall at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 8 AM until 1 PM. BudaFul Farmers Market up the road in Buda is also a great place to buy locally grown produce and happens every Sunday from 10 to 2. 

Of course, making a new recipe in a kitchen that you enjoy cooking in makes all the difference. Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Between sunset concerts, movies in the park, family vacations, and Fourth of July fireworks, there’s plenty to love about summer. As much fun as it can be, however, it can also be brutally hot, and that heat can quickly drain enthusiasm. 

 

On those days when it’s just too hot to venture outside, here are some fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained indoors. 

 

Get Crafty

 

Crafts and art projects are hands down one of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a hot summer day. Supplies are often not too expensive, and kids get to engage their creative side while having fun. 

 

The list of indoor crafts for children is nearly endless, but a few classics your kiddos may want to try include: 

 

  • Dreamcatchers
  • Sponge water bombs
  • Seashell, button, or macaroni picture frames
  • Paper mache balloons
  • Water gun painting
  • Watermelon lip scrub
  • Oil and glitter sensory bottles

 

Cook Up Some Fun

 

Cooking is another great activity that engages kids, and creating new recipes can be especially fun for children who like to help out in the kitchen. Summer recipes like making homemade pizza yogurt parfaits, or rainbow fruit skewers (with the occasional mini marshmallow) are great for smaller children, as it allows them to get hands-on without too much mess. 

 

If cooking isn’t really your child’s passion, they may still love indoor activities like setting up a blanket picnic or creating a sundae ice cream bar. 

 

Board Games

 

Board games will always be a classic indoor activity that families can enjoy. Boardgames not only offer a much-needed way for kids to have unplugged fun but also provide an avenue for families to bond and spend time together. 

 

Not only are classic board games like Sorry, Life, Candy Land, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly fun to play, but can help to lengthen a children’s attention span and even soothe anxiety. 

 

Learn Something

 

A hot (or rainy) summer day can be a great opportunity for kids to get some mental stimulation while on summer break. The Kyle Public Library has a summer reading program with a great selection of books for all age levels. Why not swing by to pick up a few and then set up a reading nook in your home for your child to dive into their book selection?

 

Simple science experiments like making elephant toothpaste or color-changing invisible ink can also be a fun activity for kids. Some of these can get messy though, and best suited to the garage or a space that’s easy to clean up. 

 

Get Active

 

One of the biggest challenges on a hot summer day is finding ways for kids to burn up energy and stay active while indoors. Not to worry, there are several fun ways you can engage your kiddos inside without leaving your home like it was hit by a tornado. 

 

Dance parties are a simple yet fun way to get kids moving. Turn the lights down low, put on a strobe or disco light, and crank up the jams. Indoor obstacle courses can also be a fun way for gets to stay active. An army crawl through a pillow fort, funky feet tape trail, or headstand station against a wall are all fun obstacles for any aspiring ninja warriors. 

Crosswinds residents can beat the heat at our community-exclusive Swimming Pool and Splash Park! Each home within the Crosswinds community is constructed to suit today’s family living needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Pet Pals: Teaching Kids Pet Responsibility

The old saying that a dog is man’s best friend rings true for children as well. In fact, you could probably apply it to cats, parakeets, hamsters, and maybe even a frog. A pet can bring joy to a child that rivals even the most sought-after toy, and pet ownership can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility and empathy. 

 

Before you head out to find your child’s new best friend, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

 

Start in Summer

 

There’s really no wrong time of year to get a pet, but summer does have an advantage when it comes to helping children learn to care for their pets. Because children are out of school for the summer, they’ll have more free time to develop good habits of pet responsibility habits, such as cleaning up and feeding pets. 

 

Pet tip* Entering into a new home only to have its owners leave can create separation anxiety for pets. If your family has a vacation on the calendar, consider waiting until after you’ve returned before getting a new furry friend. 

 

Pick the Right Pet

 

Allowing your child to choose their own pet gives them a sense of power, but it’s important that 

parents use good judgment based on the type of pet and the child’s age. A 4-year-old child may love the idea of getting a golden retriever, but they won’t be able to handle that level of responsibility. Something along the lines of a gerbil or goldfish may be a better fit. 

 

Whichever pet wins out, your child must understand the new pet is not a toy. A daily pet responsibility schedule should be addressed before the pet is brought home. Your child needs to understand that just because they’re tired or not in the mood, their pet can’t be ignored but needs to be loved and cared for. 

 

Daily Duties

 

Unless you’ve opted for a pet rock, your pet is going to have some daily needs that will need to be addressed. Whether your family chooses a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, be sure to assign your child responsibilities suitable for their age. 

 

Young children will love scooping dog food into their pet’s bowl or sprinkling fish food in the water, but they shouldn’t be allowed to clean the cat’s litter box. Small children are constantly putting their fingers inside their mouths and rubbing their eyes, so save that job for older kids. 

 

Older children will be able to handle more pet responsibilities, such as taking the dog for a walk, but even then, parents should use their best judgment. Some dogs can pull on a limb with incredible force, so it’s crucial that parents make sure the type of dog they get is a good match with their child. 

One of the things that makes the master-planned Crosswinds community so appealing to pet owners is the amenities available. In addition to the dog park, the community has an expansive trail system that weaves through the community and is perfect for walks with a four-legged friend. To learn more, contact us today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Healthy Living in Kyle

With the days getting longer and the temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the many opportunities for adopting a healthy lifestyle in Kyle. 

From outdoor exercise routines to healthy eating habits and even some mental fitness, here are a few ways to do just that. 

Eat Smart

Everyone knows that healthy eating is good for you, but developing a meal plan that allows for smart eating day in and day out can be tricky. 

The best approach is to tackle this week by week. Start by looking at what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and then write down the meals you’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the following week:

Write down any new recipes you’d like to try in advance of a grocery trip, as well as the meals you need to cover where you won’t be doing much cooking. Plan to incorporate leftovers on those days that are especially busy, and you may not have time to cook. 

When it comes time to grocery shop, aim for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat the fresh stuff first and fill up your pantry or freezer with foods that you can eat at a later time. 

If you want to shop local as part of your healthy eating plan, consider checking out Kyle Market Days. The event runs from April through November and includes vendors selling a variety of fresh foods. 

Soak in the Sunshine

One of the best things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the number of outdoor activities available. 

The Plum Creek Trail, Lake Kyle, or the Spring Lake Preserve are all great spots to get outside, stretch your legs, and soak in some sun. The parks are easily accessible and offer well-maintained paths for walking, running, or biking. 

Now, if you’re looking for something that promises a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then consider heading out to Reimers Ranch. Located in nearby Dripping Springs, the park spans over 2,400 acres and includes plenty of rocky limestone cliffs for rock climbing and winding trails for mountain biking. 

One of the benefits of the Crosswinds Community is that residents have access to a trail system of both crushed granite and paved walking/biking trails that weaves through the community. This allows easy access to other outdoor amenities such as the basketball and tennis courts, open play fields, and pool. 

Stay Mentally Sharp

Physical exercise isn’t the only important thing in healthy living. Exercising your brain through meditation, prayer, or even something as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle can have enormous benefits. 

Things like mindfulness breathing, journaling, or reading a daily devotional can help to calm the body and reduce stress, while activities like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like a musical instrument, or drawing can help with memory and concentration. 

Whatever mental fitness or relaxation routine you choose, the important thing is finding what works for you and doing it consistently. 

There are plenty of ways to practice healthy living in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Design Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

May Flowers: Gardening Tips for a Colorful Spring

It’s the dream of many homeowners to have a lush garden that’s bursting with bouquets of colorful flowers. While planting a flower garden can be intimidating for many beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to create a decorative display –  and keep it looking fresh all summer long. 

Here are some simple tips to bring out the bloom in a May flower garden. 

Pick a Sunny Spot

Most flowering plants like either full or at least partial sun, so you’ll want to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Wherever you choose, be sure to look for a pattern of where and when the sunlight hits. This will help you in choosing which plants will best thrive in the area you’ve chosen. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to how well the soil in the spot drains. If the area is soggy for days after rain, that’s a sign it drains poorly and could drown the roots of any flowers you plant.

Good Soil is Everything

Perfect soil isn’t usually found but rather created. If you have poor soil, you may want to take a test sample to a garden center so they can give you advice on any precise fertilizers you may need. Organic matter and compost though are always a safe bet though, and will greatly improve poor soil. 

If you’re going to be using pots or planter boxes for your flower garden, then be sure to buy high-quality potting soil. 

Choose Your Flowers Wisely

You may love Japanese orchids, but the climate of Central Texas does not. Thankfully, there’s an incredible array of flowers that thrive in this area. The Austin area is in Zone 8b, so you’ll need to choose flowers that have Zone 8 in their ranges.

Texas annuals (these flowers complete their life cycle in a year):

  • Sunflowers 
  • Zinnias
  • Impatiens
  • Pentas

Texas perennials (these flowers come back year after year):

  • Tulips
  • Blackfoot daisy
  • Lantana
  •  Larkspur
  •  Marigolds

Be sure to read the directions on the recommended spacing and soil depth for each flower variety.

Start Small

While you may envision a huge garden that is just waiting for a glossy magazine cover shoot, it’s best to start small. 

Aim for 5 to 8 different types of flowing plants of various heights. This will not only keep things manageable but will help you get a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. 

Water Right

Flower gardens in this area need a lot of water, so thorough and regular watering is essential. A drip irrigation hose is ideal for flower gardens because it offers slow and steady watering that plant roots can soak up. 

If you don’t have an irrigation hose, then water your flowers towards the base in either the morning or dusk. Avoid watering them directly on the blooms or leaves, as this can create fungus or lead to the petals burning once the sun comes out. 

Planting a flower garden either in planter pots or in the yard can be one of the best ways to add natural beauty to your home. If you’re looking for the perfect home and would like to learn more about the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Events Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

 

The unofficial kickoff of summer is just around the corner. We’re talking, of course, about Memorial Day. If you’re planning to invite friends over the holiday, here are a few pointers to make sure your backyard party is a total smash. 

Prep Your Backyard Right

Sure, people will head indoors if the weather is bad or to use the restroom, but most of the action will take place outside, so making sure your yard looks sharp is key. 

At least a day or two before the party, make sure you check off these backyard chores:

Mow the grass

Sweep the patio

Clean your grill area

If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, and any chemicals have had time to dilute.

Diversify Your Menu

We’ll get to the hot dogs in a minute, but any good Memorial Day party needs to have an array of food. You’ll want to have finger foods that are easy to eat without a fork, as well as classic picnic foods that people expect. And don’t forget about having something for the kiddos and picky eaters.

Appetizer ideas:

Chive and cucumber dip and chips

Pimento cheese mini sandwiches

Cherry tomato caprese salad

Bacon-wrapped cream cheese jalapenos

Deviled eggs

Side dishes:

Red, white, and blue salad (watermelon, blueberries, mini marshmallows)

Baked beans

Strawberry spinach salad

Broccoli cornbread casserole

Coleslaw

Desserts:

Fruit and chocolate dip

S’mores

Apple pie cupcakes

Red, white, and blue cheesecake bars

Get Your Grill On

While everybody loves tasty appetizers and side dishes, the party people are really looking forward to the main event – the grill. 

As mentioned, make sure your grill is cleaned before your guests arrive, and whether you’re a charcoal or propane kinda person, be sure to have plenty of fuel. 

Now, when it comes to what to grill, there’s nothing wrong with a few plain Jane burgers and hot dogs, but if you want to host the ultimate grill-out, then you’ll need to mix things up. Throw some of these mouth-watering items on the grill, and you’ll have guests lining up for seconds in no time!

The meats:

Jerk chicken kabobs

Beer brats

Teriyaki shrimp skewers

Mojito lime skirt steak

Bourbon-glazed ribs

Lobster tails

The fruits and veggies

Chili-lime corn

Chimichurri eggplant

Balsalmic portobello mushrooms

Buffalo Cauliflower kabobs

Peaches with honey-glaze

Teriyaki pineapple 

A Fun Atmosphere is Everything

Because Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday, you can never go wrong with a red, white, and blue theme. Streamers, table runners, balloons, and tiki torches – all of it will help create a fun and festive atmosphere that welcomes guests the moment they arrive. 

From cornhole and giant Jenga to croquet and a slip-on slide, no backyard party is complete without yard games. Not only will these games help keep the kiddos entertained, but they’ll also provide the perfect icebreaker for guests who may not know each other. 

It’s only natural to want to invite friends and family over to your home when you love where you live. To learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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