Tag: Crosswinds living

Categories
Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas TX

Simple Craft Kits to Keep Kids Busy on Rainy Days

When the weather keeps families indoors, finding engaging, screen-free activities can make all the difference. Having a few simple craft kits on hand can turn a quiet afternoon into something fun and productive. With just a little preparation, your home can easily become a calm and creative space where kids can explore, learn, and create without the need for elaborate setups or supervision.

Why Craft Kits Are a Smart Choice

Craft kits provide structure without limiting creativity. They’re an excellent way to keep children focused and entertained, especially during moments when outdoor play isn’t an option. These kits offer a variety of hands-on materials that inspire kids to build, paint, or design, while keeping the mess contained and the supplies organized.

They also work well for children of different ages. Whether your child prefers independent projects or enjoys crafting with a sibling, kits are flexible and easy to adjust for different skill levels.

Craft Kit Ideas for At-Home Creativity

Here are a few reliable options that are easy to assemble and use, with materials you may already have around the house:

Nature Collage Kit
Take advantage of recent nature walks or outdoor time by collecting leaves, small sticks, flower petals, and pinecones. Pair these with construction paper, glue, and markers for a creative and tactile art experience.

Paint-by-Numbers
These kits provide just the right amount of guidance, offering calm and focused activity time. Choose themes your child enjoys, and let them paint at their own pace.

DIY Bookmarks
Cardstock, ribbons, stickers, and markers can come together to make fun and functional bookmarks. This project pairs nicely with a reading routine and can double as a back-to-school activity.

Mini Terrariums
Recycled jars, soil, moss, and small trinkets or pebbles create an easy and educational craft. It’s a great way to introduce simple gardening concepts while creating something decorative for your home.

Tips for Easy Setup and Minimal Mess

To simplify craft time, consider packing a few kits in reusable tote bags or plastic containers. Each kit can include a printed set of instructions or a visual guide, along with all necessary supplies.

Use wax paper, a tray, or a plastic table cover to help keep your surfaces clean. Including a small notebook or art journal is a great way for kids to document their creations and take pride in their finished projects.

Encouraging Connection Within the Community

Craft time doesn’t have to be limited to your household. Consider inviting a few Crosswinds neighbors to participate in a casual craft swap, where kids can trade kits, share their favorite projects, or simply craft side-by-side.

You can also post photos of your home setup or finished projects to the Crosswinds community group to inspire others and share activity ideas.

A Creative Home, Rain or Shine

Rainy afternoons don’t have to mean restless ones. With just a few simple craft kits and a little organization, you can give kids a way to stay entertained, express themselves, and enjoy quiet time indoors.

Looking for a home that supports your family’s creativity and connection? Contact us to learn more about life at Crosswinds, where every day brings new opportunities to grow, create, and connect.

Categories
Blog Kyle Kyle Texas Tips TX

Fall Scent Guide: Best Essential Oils & Candles for September

There’s something special about fall: the shift in pace, the return of routines, and the little moments that make home feel extra comforting. One of the easiest ways to invite the season in is through scent. Whether you’re lounging on the porch, entertaining on the patio, or simply winding down after a busy day, the right fragrance can set the mood and bring a touch of seasonal magic to your space.

This month, we’re sharing our favorite essential oils and candle scents for September, perfect for Crosswinds living, whether you’re diffusing indoors or lighting up your favorite candle outside with neighbors and friends.

Why Fall Scents Matter

Fragrance has the power to transform a space. A whiff of cinnamon can bring on a sense of warmth and nostalgia. A blend of vanilla and amber can help you relax and settle in. Seasonal scents add richness and depth to your everyday routines and can make your home feel more personal, welcoming, and peaceful.

Top Scent Picks for September

  • Pumpkin-Cinnamon Spice
    A timeless favorite that instantly brings a cozy, homey feel. It’s a perfect pick for family hangouts, solo quiet time, or even a casual coffee on the porch.
  • Crisp Apple & Maple
    Sweet, fresh, and a little playful, this scent adds brightness to your space while still feeling grounded and seasonal.
  • Vanilla Amber
    Smooth and slightly sultry, this scent is a go-to for creating a calming, mellow vibe, especially in the evenings or when hosting friends.
  • Evergreen & Pine
    Clean and earthy, evergreen scents bring a sense of balance and freshness to your home. It’s a great counterpoint to the sweeter options and perfect for a nature-inspired space.

Essential Oils vs. Candles

Essential oils are a great option if you love variety and prefer something subtle and steady. Use them in diffusers around your home or patio to enjoy a gentle background aroma. They’re also a simple, flame-free choice if you have little ones or pets nearby.

Candles, on the other hand, bring more than scent; they create ambiance. The flicker of a candle can add instant charm to any corner of your home, and it’s hard to beat the ritual of lighting one as you settle in for the evening. Look for soy or natural wax candles with cotton wicks for a cleaner, longer-lasting burn.

How to Infuse Your Space

Start by placing a diffuser near your favorite hangout spot, like nearby the porch swing, a patio table, or a reading chair. Try mixing your own oil blend, like cinnamon and orange for a cozy kick, or lavender and clove for something soothing and warm.

For candles, group a few together in decorative holders or lanterns and place them where you gather most. It’s easy to create a display that looks as good as it smells.

You can also add seasonal touches like a tray of wax melts, a small bowl of dried spices and herbs, or a DIY simmer pot on the stove when entertaining indoors.

Crosswinds Community Connection

Want to turn your scent obsession into a fun community moment? Host a scent-swap with your neighbors: everyone brings a candle, oil blend, or wax melt to trade and try. It’s a simple way to discover new favorites, and it’s a great excuse to gather and catch up.

You can also share your favorite blends and porch setups in the Crosswinds community group. It’s the perfect spot to swap ideas and get inspired by your fellow residents!

Let Your Porch Smell Like Home

Scent is such a small thing, but it has a big impact. It helps define the feeling of home, adds comfort to your everyday routine, and creates memorable moments for your family and guests. Whether you’re drawn to sweet, spicy, or woodsy fragrances, September is a great time to refresh your space and fully enjoy the season.

Thinking about making Crosswinds your next chapter? Contact us to learn more!

Categories
Blog Events Kyle Kyle Texas TX

Serve Up Some Fun This September at the Fall Pickleball Tournament!

Fall is arriving in Kyle, and that means it’s time to grab your paddles and get ready for a fun, casual, and community-powered morning at the Fall Co‑Ed Pickleball Tournament! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to try something new, this lighthearted event is the perfect way to get outside, stay active, and bond with neighbors.

Hosted by the City of Kyle, the tournament takes place Saturday, September 6 from 8:00 AM to noon at Live Oak Academy (4820 Jack C. Hays Trail). It’s open to all adults age 18 and up, and teams can include 2–3 players. No experience? No problem. All skill levels are welcome, and the vibe is all about fun over formality.

The tournament follows a double elimination format, which means every team gets a chance to play more than once, so even if your first game doesn’t go as planned, you’re still in the action. With a $40 team registration fee, it’s an affordable way to enjoy some exercise and friendly competition.

What to Expect on Game Day

Picture this: you and your neighbors out on the court, the sound of laughter and friendly cheers filling the air, and a few surprise volleys keeping everyone on their toes. Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, the morning promises great energy and community connection. Pack water, sunscreen, and a light snack to keep your team fueled, and plan to arrive early to warm up and grab a good shaded spot.

This tournament is a great fit for older kids to come and watch, too! Pickleball is fast-paced, easy to follow, and genuinely fun to watch. It’s the kind of morning that ends with tired legs, full hearts, and plenty of great photos.

Why Crosswinds Residents Should Join

At Crosswinds, we’re all about spending time outdoors, connecting with neighbors, and embracing the season. Forming a block-wide pickleball team is a fun way to strengthen friendships and get moving in the process. Even if you’re not playing, it’s worth gathering a group to cheer from the sidelines with coffee and lawn chairs in hand.

Hosting a little practice match in your driveway or neighborhood park beforehand could be a great warm-up and a fun way to kick off the fall season together. And who knows? You might discover your new favorite hobby.

Make it a Community Moment

This tournament is more than a game, it’s a gathering. Bring your camera, capture the smiles, and post your best rally moments on the Crosswinds group page. Share tips, celebrate wins, and even plan a post-tournament brunch to keep the good vibes going.

If you’re new to Kyle or thinking about making Crosswinds your home, this kind of event offers a great glimpse into what life here is really like: friendly, active, and full of ways to connect.

See You There!

Whether you’re swinging a paddle or clapping from the sidelines, the Fall Pickleball Tournament is your chance to enjoy the season, the sunshine, and the Crosswinds spirit. Rally your teammates, register soon, and get ready to serve up some fun!

Interested in making Crosswinds your home base for events like this and so much more? Contact us today!

Categories
Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

September Movie in the Park: WONKA

As the summer winds down and September brings cooler evenings, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than with a magical movie under the stars. This month, Crosswinds families and neighbors can look forward to a whimsical night out at the September Movie in the Park, featuring WONKA—a film full of music, heart, and imagination that’s perfect for older kids and adults alike!

Event Details

Date: Thursday, September 5
Location: Steeplechase Park
Showtime: Movie begins at 8:00 PM (come early to grab your spot!)

Pack your blankets and lawn chairs and get ready for a cozy community evening. Whether you’ve seen the film or are discovering it for the first time, WONKA promises to dazzle with its story of how the world’s most famous chocolatier came to be.

More Info Here

What to Expect

Steeplechase Park will transform into an outdoor movie haven. A giant screen will light up the night sky, and the sound of laughter, music, and sweet storytelling will fill the air. Food trucks and local vendors will be on-site, offering tasty snacks and drinks, making it easy to treat yourself to movie munchies without packing a thing.

Perfect Evening for Older Kids & Adults

While WONKA is a family-friendly film, its magical storyline, musical numbers, and deeper themes make it a fantastic pick for tweens, teens, and adults, too. It’s the kind of movie that stirs your imagination and leaves you humming the tunes long after the credits roll.

Tips for an Unforgettable Movie Night

  • Arrive Early to claim a good viewing spot and explore the park before the movie starts.
  • Pack Smart: Bring along blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray.
  • Don’t Forget Snacks: Either bring your own goodies or plan to grab something from the food trucks.
  • Bring a Flashlight or use your phone’s light for post-movie navigation.

Crosswinds Community Connection

Events like Movie in the Park are just one of the many reasons families love living at Crosswinds. They offer a chance to relax, meet neighbors, and create lasting memories just minutes from home. Whether you’re organizing a group outing or sharing popcorn with your family, these shared experiences bring the spirit of community to life.

Want to make it extra special? Coordinate with a few nearby Crosswinds families to create a shared movie zone with blankets, snacks, and lawn games before the movie begins. It’s a fun and easy way to bring people together.

See You There!

We hope to see you on September 5 for a night full of music, magic, and movie magic. And if you’re dreaming of living in a community where family-friendly fun is always on the calendar, contact us to learn more about life at Crosswinds. The next big adventure could start right here under the stars.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle TX

DIY Art in the Park at Crosswinds: A Creative Guide for Families

There’s something magical about turning a warm afternoon into a hands-on art adventure—and you don’t have to go far to make it happen! At Crosswinds, our wide-open green spaces and friendly community vibes make the perfect backdrop for your very own DIY Art in the Park. Whether you’re gathering with neighbors or planning a quiet creative morning with your kids, this guide will help you bring it all to life.

Choose Your Canvas

You don’t need a fancy setup to enjoy art outdoors. A picnic blanket on your backyard lawn or a shady spot near the Crosswinds clubhouse works perfectly. Choose an area with plenty of natural light and enough room for kids (and grown-ups) to spread out supplies and let their imaginations run wild.

Gather Simple Supplies

Keep things easy and fun by using art supplies you already have at home. A few must-haves include crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, washable paints, markers, brushes, and thick paper or small canvases. Don’t forget wipes, water cups, and aprons or old t-shirts to protect clothes. Keep everything in a basket or tote so cleanup is a breeze.

Pick a Project Theme

Give your art day a little extra spark with a theme! Some favorites:

  • Nature-Inspired: Have kids paint flowers, trees, or bugs they see around them.
  • Community Love: Draw your favorite part of Crosswinds—maybe the playground, your home, or a friendly neighbor.
  • Color Challenge: Pick a few colors and let kids create a masterpiece using only those shades.

Themes keep everyone engaged and can lead to some creative storytelling, too!

Set the Mood

Make your art space feel extra special. Set up a playlist with calm or cheerful tunes and bring along a few snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Hang some string lights or bring a couple of bright pillows to turn your art station into a cozy corner. The more relaxed and inviting it feels, the more creative your artists will be.

Invite Neighbors & Friends

Art is more fun when it’s shared! Spread the word to a few nearby families and encourage them to bring their own supplies. You can keep things casual—just a few friends gathering under the trees—or plan a mini event with a theme, treats, and even a small gallery walk at the end.

Showcase & Share

When everyone’s finished, lay the artwork out on the grass or prop it against a picnic table for a mini “art show.” Let each artist talk about their piece and what inspired them. Take photos of the finished works and post them in the Crosswinds community group to share the fun with neighbors who couldn’t make it.

Memories Happen Here!

At Crosswinds, it’s easy to turn a sunny day into something meaningful—especially when you’re surrounded by good people, wide open spaces, and a little artistic inspiration. Whether you’re painting under the trees or crafting on your patio, Art in the Park is a beautiful way to connect with your community and make the most of the season.

Thinking about putting down roots in a place where creativity and connection thrive? Contact us to learn more about life at Crosswinds and how you can be part of the fun.

Categories
Area Attractions Kyle Kyle Texas

Best Pies in the Pie Capital: The Texas Pie Company

Kyle residents are serious about their pie. After all, the city is the “pie capital of Texas” and home of the Pie in the Sky festival. Naturally, any bakery in town that puts a pie on its counter knows that it’s going to be judged by some pretty pie-savvy customers. With decades of pie baking experience under belt, however, it’s safe to say that Julie Albertson, founder of The Texas Pie Company, knows how to bake an award-worthy pie. 

Julie opened her first bakery in 1986, but was baking long before that. “I started baking with my grandmother in East Texas on her farm,” she told KVUE News. “When I was really little I used to stand on soup cans so I could reach the counter [and help bake].” It was in those formative baking years that she learned the ins and outs of each pie recipe and how to perfect each pie’s unique flavors. 

Shareworthy Pies

Texas Pie Company specializes in creating delicious and unique pies that will satisfy any craving. Julie and her staff take pride in crafting each pie with care to ensure a perfect flavor combination and crust that is buttery, flaky and delicately sweetened. 

You really can’t go wrong with whatever pie you choose but customer favorites include flavors such as Southern Pecan, Lemon Chess, Buttermilk (Julie’s personal fav), Almond Joy, Chocolate Fudge, and Peanut Butter Mousse. The bakery also has an array of fruit pies like Peach, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, and Blackberry. 

Now if cream pies are your jam, Texas Pie Company offers Key Lime, Coconut, and Chocolate. And when the fall and winter months roll around, you’ll naturally find Pumpkin and Praline pies waiting to be snatched up by customers. 

More Tasty Options

If you’re looking for an extra treat to go with your slice of pie though, or you’re in the mood for a full meal, the bakery has you covered. A range of cookies, brownies, and dessert bars are available as well as plenty of savory options. Daily lunch specials are offered with items like Meatloaf, Chicken Breast with Cranberry, and King Ranch Chicken, in addition to several sandwiches. 

Now, if you only have time for pie and not a full lunch but want to get something to go, consider picking up a quiche or casserole. The quiches are prepared with fresh eggs, whole milk, and an assortment of fresh veggies, proteins, and shredded cheeses. Casserole dishes include popular comfort foods like Three Cheese Lasagna, Chicken Pot Pie, and Beef Stroganoff. Everything is made in the kitchen daily and can be ordered hot for pick up.

The Texas Pie Company is open Monday through Saturday with lunch items available until 3 PM and pie available until 6:30 PM on weekdays, 4 on Saturdays. Take a tip from us though, if you have your heart set on a particular pie flavor, get there early because when it’s gone it’s gone!

Kyle is full of great local spots and businesses that make it a wonderful place for families of all ages and lifestyles to call home. If you’d like to learn more about making Kyle your home, contact the Crosswinds team.

Categories
Kyle Texas

Tiny House Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee that not only has the power to perk you up in the morning but to change the lives of people for the better, consider filling your mug with a brew from Tiny House Coffee Roasters. Jump on the I-35 S for about 15 minutes and you’ll find a coffee-roasting company that is built on the foundation of delivering a sustainable product and lifting those who make it all possible. 

 

Texas Coffee with Origins in Nicaragua

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters was started by Blake Thomas and Helen Schafer, who met while working as Peace Corps volunteers in Nicaragua in 2012. Blake and Helen got to know the coffee farmers in Nicaragua, and as they learned more about how difficult it was for the farmers to make a decent living, they felt committed to improving the situation. 

 

As Blake told Austin Business Journal, the best way to do so was by streamlining the process of getting the coffee from Nicaragua to U.S. consumers. 

 

“By eliminating middlemen, we were able to pay our farmers three times the market rate for their coffee,” Blake explained. “With increased returns and economic security, these farmers then invested back into their farms, families, and communities.”

 

A Mission of Sustainability 

 

Not only are Blake and Helen committed to treating their employees right and helping them to earn a fair wage, but Tiny House Roasters is built on the idea of making “attainable change.” One of the ways it’s doing that is by working with farmers who take a sustainable approach to coffee farming. So what’s that mean exactly? 

 

In the simplest terms, it means that Tiny House Coffee Roasters only buys and sells coffee beans that are in season. As the brand’s website explains, sometimes this means that “your favorite beans might be gone for a bit, [but] they’ll be back and better next year!”

 

From Bean to Keg

 

While you can’t simply swing by Tiny House Coffee Roasters and grab a latte to go (it’s a roasting company, not a coffee shop), there are numerous ways for you to enjoy this fine product. 

 

The roasting company’s coffee can be found in local grocery stores like H-E-B and Whole Foods, as well as businesses such as The Driskill Hotel, Planet Fitness, and Auberge Resorts. 

 

Of course, you can also order flavors like Moontower Dark Blend and La Casita directly from the website. Sign up for the Roaster’s Club, and Tiny House will ship you a new bag of coffee to try each month. 

 

Perhaps the coolest way to enjoy a cup of Tiny House Coffee though is through its cold brew delivery platform. Hit them up and they’ll deliver their bag-in-box cold brew to your home or office in the greater Austin area. And if you drink a lot of coffee (like, a lot, a lot) you can even have a full keg of nitro cold brew delivered to your door. 

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters is one of many small businesses in the Kyle area that is carving out a name for itself for all the best reasons. If you’d like to find a home in Kyle, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

Categories
Events Family Fun

Kyle Summer Camp & Field Trips

Kyle Texas Summer Camp and Field Trips

Ask your kid (or even better, your kid’s teacher) and they’ll probably be able to tell you down to the hour when summer vacation begins. Summer in Texas is so much fun. Yes, it’s hot, but there’s an endless array of things going on and it’s the ideal time for many families to take a vacation. What about those weeks before and after the big family vacay though? 

 

The kiddos are going to need something to keep them occupied and the city of Kyle offers a day camp program aimed at engaging kids in a “healthy and active lifestyle; rather than sitting on the couch and playing video games all summer.” Let’s face it, by the second week stuck at home, everyone is probably going to have a bit of cabin fever and the city’s day camp program not only offers daily activities but two field trips a week, all at an affordable price. 

 

Why Kyle Summer Camp is the Best Deal in Town

Overnight summer camps can be a lot of fun, but they also come with their fair share of drawbacks. For starters, they can be pretty expensive and they’re only becoming more costly with experts in the camp industry predicting the cost of a week at summer camp to be 15% more expensive this year. 

 

Not every kid does well at a week-long overnight summer camp. Younger children, in particular, can be more prone to homesickness, and if you’re having to drive a couple of hours by day 3 to pick up a child who’s not having a great time, well, consider yourself in for a dose of the summertime blues.  

 

With Kyle’s Summer Camp program, campers begin arriving each day at 7 A.M. and can stay at the camp as late as 6 P.M. This means mom and dad don’t have to worry about leaving the kids home during the week or packing a week’s worth of stuff for an overnight camp stay. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in daily arts and crafts, games, and sports such as archery, fishing, and swimming. One of the most fun aspects of Kyle’s Summer Camp program is that each week brings something different with two field trips a week to area attractions such as McKinney Falls State Park, Urban Air trampoline park, and Dart’em Up Austin. 

 

Summer Camp Details

Kyle’s camp program is spread out over eight weeks and runs from June 6th through July 29th. The camp program is designed for elementary through middle school-aged children and is broken up into two camps: 

 

Voyagers: children entering 2nd through 5th grade.

Adventurers: children entering 6th through 9th grade. 

 

The camp runs Monday through Friday from 7 in the morning until 6 in the evening at Wallace Middle School. The program does not supply breakfast or lunch, so children will need to eat before they arrive and pack a lunch with them each day as well as a water bottle. Camp is $150 each week per camper. This cost covers all daily activities including field trips as well as two daily snacks and two camp t-shirts. 

 

Parents can learn more about the summer camp program and sign up on the City of Kyle website. 

 

If you’re interested in finding a home in Kyle, reach out to learn more about available homes at Crosswinds. Crosswinds offers a variety of amenities, new homes from the area’s top builders, and an ideal location for families of all lifestyles. 

Categories
Homeowner Tips

What to look for when buying a new house

What to Look for When Buying a New House

When you’re shopping for a new house, it can be easy to fall down the rabbit hole as you search house after house and study floor plan after floor plan. There are so many things to consider, such as location, school zones, community amenities, and home builders.

Before you even look at houses and floor plans, a good place to start is with how much home you can afford. This can help you narrow down your search and determine your priorities. 

You can work with a real estate agent to help you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home, or try a home affordability calculator that can help you estimate your monthly payments. Be sure you leave plenty of breathing room for property taxes, homeowner association (HOA) fees, and unexpected expenses. It’s also a good move to get pre-approved for a loan up to a specific amount. The lender will look at your income, debts, and credit history.

Once you have a number in mind, then you can work through these tips.

1. Determine the Top Features You Want in a Neighborhood

To help you figure out the general location, start with what you’d like in a neighborhood. Do you want to live in a walkable neighborhood? What about safety? Do you want to be in a preferred school district or near specific schools?

Does anyone regularly commute to work or extracurriculars? That could be a factor in location. What about proximity to grocery stores, services, other retailers, and leisure activities?

2. Prioritize Your Top Home Features

Every homebuyer has their own priorities for what they want in a home. Some want a giant backyard while others would rather have a front porch. You can change a lot of things about a home, but one thing you can’t change is the amount of land. 

Another thing to think about is how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need—especially if you have children or expect frequent guests. Does someone work from home? They may want a floor plan with a home office. Do you often entertain big groups? Some floor plans are more conducive to large gatherings than others. What about smart home capabilities? This could play a factor in your decision. 

To avoid spending more than you want, create a list of “must-haves” and “nice to haves” to help you with your decisions. 

3. Plan for the Future

If you may want to have children in the future, consider a home with room to grow. While a two-bedroom may be all you need now, you may not want to move when you have children. Or perhaps, a parent or other relative will be living with you. If you’re thinking about adding a furry family member, a front and backyard may be a top priority. 

  1. Think about Maintenance and Upkeep

The newer the home, the less maintenance you will have. When you’re the first owner of a new home, you don’t have to consider the home’s maintenance history, as everything is in tip-top shape. But an older home will most likely need regular repairs and updates. Yards and flower beds also need regular upkeep. Consider if you want a smaller yard that just needs to be mowed every once in a while, or if you’d rather get to enjoy seasonal flower gardens and greenery, with a bit more upkeep?

Remember, you can update and change a lot of things both on the exterior and in the interior of a home, but the costs of changes can add up quickly. It’s easy to change the paint color, but not so easy to change the floor plan. 

Looking for a new home in Kyle? Crosswinds is a new master-planned community offering family-friendly amenities with beautiful homes from the area’s top builders. Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team to start the journey to finding your dream home.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.