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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

3 Family Fun Things to Do Near Kyle this April

As we march our way into April, you’ll want to make sure and get outside with the family and enjoy all the family fun things to do near Kyle. To help you figure out your April game plan, here are Crosswinds’ top 3!

Family Fun Things to Do Near Kyle

1. Live on the Lawn

When: Thursday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26

Where: San Marcos Plaza Park – San Marcos

What Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

 Formerly the Spring Concert Series, Live on the Lawn in San Marcos is a live music series that is held on every Thursday in April. The best part about this event is that this event is completely free! The lineup is The Revs on April 5, The Georges on April 12, Those Nights on April 19 and Big Cedar Fever on April 26.

 2. Kyle Market Days

 When: Saturday, April 14

Where: Historic City Square Park – Kyle

What Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Do you know what our favorite day is? It’s the second Saturday of every month between April and September because that’s when we get to go to the Kyle Market Days. While some of these family fun things to do near Kyle involve having to get out and drive a bit, the Kyle Market Days are just right down the road from our master-planned community! You and your family will be able to shop for everything from fun little trinkets to fresh produce.

3. 72 Degrees Festival

When: Saturday, April 28

Where: San Marcos Plaza Park on the banks of San Marcos River

What Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Who doesn’t love live music? Better yet, who doesn’t love getting to hear live music and experience a wide array of cultures? The 72 Degrees Festival is sure to be one of the most family fun things to do near Kyle this coming month. Check out the full lineup online.

We hope you and your family have tons of fun at these events near our master-planned community. To stay in the loop on all the family fun things to do near Kyle, follow Crosswinds on Facebook and Twitter.

Image from Thinkstock by Getty Images. Item number: 637092646

Categories
Lifestyle

5 Green Living Cleaning Tips for Your Spring Cleaning

Spring is officially here and that means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. There are many great products out there that will thoroughly clean your home, but could these products also be harming the environment and your health? Studies have shown that some of the chemicals found in common household cleaning products are doing more harm than good. think that preserving the ecosystem is important for the future of our world. Here is a list of 5 green living cleaning tips that we have compiled to help with your spring cleaning.

green living in Crosswinds

Buy Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

 More companies have started producing environmentally friendly cleaning products to lessen the impact chemicals have on the environment. Look for cleaning products that claim to be natural to lessen your impact on the earth. You can also substitute baking soda or vinegar to clean just about anything.

Air Out Your Home

More often than not, the air in your home is more polluted than the air outside due to cleaning products and toxic substances. So, one of our easiest green living cleaning tips is to open your windows on occasion to let the bad air filter out of your house as the clean air fills its space to promote green living at Crosswinds.

Switch to Castile Soap

Castile soap is 100% plant based, non-toxic and biodegradable. Since you can buy it as a liquid or as hard soap, you can easily replace any kind of soap you are already using that might be harmful for the environment. You can use it to clean dishes and laundry as well.

Use Baking Soda to Remove Unwanted Smells

 We all know that baking soda is essential for removing odor from your fridge, but did you know that it works other places too? Next time you are going to vacuum, sprinkle baking soda over your carpet first to remove any bad odors from your house. You’d be surprised how well this works.

Don’t Use Antibacterial Soap

Many people use antibacterial soap during the flu season to ward off unwanted germs, but this soap does not clean hands any better than regular soap and water. In fact, using antibacterial products too often can help lead to antibiotics resistance as the bacteria evolve. You’re better off with regular soap.

Green living at Crosswinds is as simple as making informed purchase decisions at the grocery store and knowing what can harm the environment. A little bit of research goes a long way when it comes to your environmental impact. Try these and other green living cleaning tips to help yourself and those around you. There are plenty of reasons to buy a new house in Crosswinds, but our parks, playgrounds and trails are huge benefits. To learn more about how we help keep these outdoor spaces beautiful, contact us today!

Image via envatoelements by diego_cervo

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Events Family Fun

Everything You Need to Know About the Easter Egg Drop Eggstravaganza in Kyle

Are you still looking for fun things to do in Kyle, Texas over the Easter Weekend? Trust us when we say that you don’t need to look any further than the Easter Egg Drop Eggstravaganza. This event is by far the largest Easter egg hunt that has ever happened in Hays County, though you’ve probably never seen an egg hunt like this one before. The city of Kyle has teamed up with the Eikon Church to put on the most exciting Easter experience Texas has ever seen. Here is everything you need to know about the Easter Egg Drop Eggstravaganza in Kyle from your friends at Crosswinds.

Easter Egg Drop Extravaganza

(Image via facebook.com)

Eggs Dropped From a Helicopter

On March 24, 80,000 Easter Eggs will be dropped from a helicopter at the Easter Egg Drop Eggstravaganza. Children of all ages will get to watch as a fully loaded helicopter drops eggs all over Gregg-Clarke Park. When the last egg has been dropped and the helicopter has been cleared from the area, children will be allowed to run at full pace to collect as many eggs as they can.

Age-Specific Egg Hunting Areas

The Easter Egg Drop Eggstravaganza will come complete with designated hunting areas separated by age. There will even be a specific area for toddlers and children with disabilities. Everyone will have the opportunity to celebrate Easter the right way with the Eikon Church and the City of Kyle. If egg hunting isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can take part in carnival games, face painting and many more Easter activities that anyone living in Kyle won’t want to miss.

No matter the age of your children, it’s guaranteed that this event is something they will talk about for years to come. Anyone living in Crosswinds or in other homes near Austin should not forget to RSVP to this free Easter event to ensure that you and your children have an Easter to remember. We’ve also heard that the Easter Bunny might even be there for photo opportunities! Looking for more fun ways to spend your time in Kyle? Visit our blog today for more ideas and to explore beautiful Crosswinds homes near Austin!

 

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Events

3 St. Patrick’s Day Recipes That Will Bring You Luck

It’s that time of year again where everything starts to feel a bit more Irish. Get in the spirit by cooking some of our favorite traditional St. Patrick’s Day recipes. We may specialize in setting you up with beautiful homes near Austin, but we also like to think we are experts in food here at Crosswinds. Here are our three favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipes.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Bring You Luck

(Image via allrecipes.com)

 No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without corned beef and cabbage. This traditional Irish delicacy is not only delightfully delicious, it is also one of the easiest recipes we have ever prepared. Simply throw beef, vegetables, water and beer into a crockpot and forget about it for 8 hours. You’ll be left with the juiciest meat that you might ever taste. Be sure to check out the recipe before any food prep is done.

Irish Shepard’s Pie

St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Bring You Luck

(Image via allrecipes.com)

While this recipe requires a bit more attention than the last, the time you’ll put into this dish will be worth the wait. Shepard’s Pie is one of the classic St. Patrick’s Day recipes and we can’t get enough of this one. The combination of lamb, vegetables and a fluffy crust will leave you wishing everyday was St. Patrick’s Day. With prep time averaged out at 25 minutes, this recipe is certainly worth your time.

Beef and Guinness Stew

 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Bring You Luck

(Image via allrecipes.com)

The addition of beer to any recipe is not only incredibly Irish, but it is also a great way to spruce up your favorite dish. Of course this recipe calls for the most abundant Irish beer in America. Guinness is a dark beer that is sure to thicken up this traditional Irish stew into gravy that sits perfectly on a bed of mashed potatoes. While beer and beef are the essence of this stew, the addition of bacon is what really turns this dish up a notch. Serve this at a St. Patrick’s Day party to impress all of your friends and family.

No matter what your plans are for this Irish holiday, these St. Patrick’s Day recipes are sure to add a bit of flavor to any celebration. Stop in at Longhorn Daiquiris near Crosswinds for a drink to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the traditional way. To learn more about all of the great things Kyle and Crosswinds have to offer, contact us for a tour of our homes near Austin today!

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Family Fun

Crosswind’s Favorite Mardi Gras Recipes to Let the Good Times Roll

Mardi Gras is just a few days away, and if you’re looking to have a fun little get together with friends in Crosswinds, then you’ll need these tasty Mardi Gras recipes to let the good times roll!

Pancakes for Fat Tuesday

Crosswind’s Favorite Mardi Gras Recipes to Let the Good Times Roll

(Image via allrecipes.com)

Fat Tuesday, also called Shrove Tuesday, is the first day of Mardi Gras and it’s tradition that you start the day off with pancakes. While you are free to essentially make any type of pancakes you want, we thought these banana pancakes looked too good NOT to share!

Andouille, Shrimp and Chicken Jambalaya

Crosswind’s Favorite Mardi Gras Recipes to Let the Good Times Roll

(Image via allrecipes.com)

Now that you’ve started Mardi Gras in Crosswinds right, it’s time for a little spice. This andouille, shrimp and chicken jambalaya is served over rice for a hearty meal that will warm your heart and soul even on the chilliest Mardi Gras days. What’s so great about this recipe is that not only does it feed 8 people, but it also is great to freeze and go back to when you start craving more jambalaya.

New Orleans Creole Gumbo

Crosswind’s Favorite Mardi Gras Recipes to Let the Good Times Roll

(Image via allrecipes.com)

If you aren’t much of a jambalaya person, or simply want to add more Mardi Gras recipes to the menu, then you’ll certainly want to try this New Orleans creole gumbo. While jambalaya is served on a bed of rice, with gumbo, you put the rice on top as it’s more of a stew consistency. While this takes the longest of all the Crosswinds Mardi Gras recipes, it also can serve 20 people, so it’s ideal for a big Mardi Gras celebration!

King Cake

Crosswind’s Favorite Mardi Gras Recipes to Let the Good Times Roll

(Image via allrecipes.com)

Last, but most certainly not least, no list of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without a great recipe for King Cake! The King Cake is easily one of the most recognizable Mardi Gras traditions in terms of food, and everyone knows that if you get the piece of cake with the plastic baby in it, then you have to host the next Mardi Gras party next year.

If you plan on hosting a Mardi Gras party in one of our new homes in Kyle, make sure to show us how your celebrating by sharing your photos and favorite Mardi Gras recipes with Crosswinds on Facebook and Twitter.

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Area Attractions

Keeping it Kyle Spotlight – The Best Thanksgiving Dinner for 2 in Kyle

Whether you’re hosting the family or having an intimate holiday for two, cooking on Thanksgiving can be a hassle. Putting together a full meal takes a lot of prep and time away from your loved ones. Plus, who says a traditional spread should be the Best Thanksgiving Dinner for 2?

Make life easier by featuring simple, non-traditional Thanksgiving food. Here are some of our favorite restaurants near Kyle, TX for non-traditional Thanksgiving meals perfect for two.

Best Thanksgiving Dinner for 2

Phoebe’s Diner

Diner open from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

If you’re looking to get a full meal and leave needing to loosen your belt, then you’ll want to head over for the Thanksgiving lunch available at Phoebe’s Diner in Austin. Get ready to eat an immensely delicious meal with smoked turkey and ham, sage-sausage, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and broccoli casserole.

Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard

Buffet open 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

Of all the restaurants near Kyle Texas, Palmer’s menu defines the feel of the region by incorporating familiar flavors from South Louisiana, New Mexico, the Texas Gulf Coast and Mexico. The stand out dish for 2 includes the hand-cut and aged Palmer’s Ribeye, prepared with your choice of cooking style. Palmer’s also has two 6 oz. brined and grilled center cut pork chops, served with a spicy honey-habanero glaze.

Texas Pie Company
Call now to get on the list for pie 512-268-5885

You don’t have to go too far from our master-planned community to satisfy your sweet tooth. Presenting fresh and famous home-style pies, casseroles and other baked goods, the Texas Pie Company is a favorite among Kyle residents. Since 1986 the Texas Pie Company desserts come from a grandmother’s cherished recipes that have been handed down through generations. For an exclusive holiday meal, pick up the Famous Chicken Pot Pie, King Ranch Chicken, Chicken Tetrazzini, Three Cheese Lasagna or Beef Stroganoff. Finish off the day with one of their classic pies, available in 18 delicious flavors.

Putting together a full Thanksgiving meal, even for two takes a lot of preparation. A way to make life easier is to cook less and spend more time together. This year, embrace the non-traditional for the best Thanksgiving dinner for 2.

There are so many options surrounding Crosswinds, Texas that are just a short drive from our master-planned community. For more ideas surrounding the holidays stay connected with us through Facebook and Twitter.

Image from Thinkstock by Getty Images. Item number: 636670290

Categories
Family Fun

DIY Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s no need to spend a fortune on a gift for dad when you can make his gift yourself! Today, Crosswinds is sharing some excellent DIY gift ideas that will make for a very thoughtful Father’s Day gift!

Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream

Father’s Day
(Image via foodformyfamily.com)

For a gift he can appreciate on the daily, make him some shaving cream with a custom scent! Those razors can be really tough on his face, but with this rosemary mint shaving cream, he can get a smooth shave that refreshes and revitalizes him.

Comic Book Coasters

Father’s Day
(Image via modpodgerocksblog.com)

Is your dad a bit of a comic book nerd? Well give him the gift that he is sure to love – comic book coasters! For the best comic book scenes, look online and print out a few pages from dad’s favorite comic books.

Whiskey, Caramel, Marshmallow and Bacon Bark

Father’s Day
(Image via endlesssimmer.com)

For the father that has an insatiable sweet tooth, don’t go the traditional gift route. Instead, make them a sweet treat like this whiskey, caramel, marshmallow and bacon bark. Did you even think these amazing ingredients could go so well together!?

Black and Tan Beer Soap

Father's Day
(Image via soapqueen.com)

While this Father’s Day gift may sound almost edible, it’s the perfect gift for the dad that’s an ultimate beer lover. This black and tan beer soap is a spin-off of a black and tan drink, which is traditionally a Guinness and a pale ale layered in a glass.

Tripod Camping Stool

Father's Day
(Image via designsponge.com)

For the dad that loves the great outdoors, not only is one of our new homes in Kyle, TX an excellent gift, but so is this tripod camping stool! While it takes a little more time and work to build this gift, it’s sure to last through many camping trips!

Make this Father’s Day one they won’t forget and give them a gift from the heart that you made just for them! We hope everyone has a wonderful Father’s Day. Contact Crosswinds today to learn about our new homes in Kyle, TX.

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Education

Education Highlight: Crosswinds Schools

Hays CISD
(Image via hayscisd.net)

Crosswinds understands that when it comes to your children, their education is top of mind. Lucky for you and your kiddos, our new homes in Kyle, TX feed into some excellent schools in Hays CISD. Here are some things to know about the educational opportunities near our master-planned community.

About Hays CISD

Located in North Central Hays County, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District has 23 campuses that serve roughly 20,000 students. They have two high schools, six middle schools and 13 elementary schools, as well as an alternative high school for students seeking a non-traditional educational setting. Hays CISD offers exceptional extracurricular opportunities with award-winning programs, including band, choir, visual and theatrical arts and athletic programs. The district also features a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.

The Crosswinds Schools

Two Hays CISD elementary schools serve Crosswinds: Pfluger Elementary School and Science Hall Elementary School. Both of the elementary schools serve students kindergarten through fifth grade. For grades sixth through eighth, students will be able to attend Chapa Middle School, and for high school, students will be able to attend Lehman High School.

Secondary Education Opportunities

For any older children getting ready to leave the nest and pursue secondary education, our new homes in Kyle, TX are also near some excellent 2-year and 4-year colleges. Austin Community College Hays Campus, Texas State University, University of Texas at Austin and St. Edwards University are all located a short drive away from our community. Even if your child isn’t quite ready for college, it’s never too early to start planning for the future!

When it comes to your children, Crosswinds knows that their education is of the utmost importance. That’s why we’re building our master-planned community in Hays CISD. If you’d like to learn more about our community and our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Uncategorized

A Quick Guide to Austin Spring Events You Shouldn’t Miss

things to do in Austin

Spring is almost here! Crosswinds has many new homes in Kyle, TX which are just around the corner from of one of the most exciting cities – Austin. Crosswinds is sharing a list of some fun happenings and things to do in Austin this summer!

Derby in the City

Nothing says summer like a music festival! On May 6, Austin American Statesman will be hosting the 3rd annual Derby in the City Music Festival. Grab your favorite derby hat and dress to the nines while enjoying the most “exciting two minutes in sports” on the jumbotron and listening to fantastic live music. Artists performing include Citizen Cope, Sweet Spirit, Black Pistol Fire, The Watters and Los Coast.

Bubblepalooza

Grab the kids and prepare for a lot of bubbles! On Saturday, June 3, Long Center will be hosting the 6th Annual Bubblepalooza, a spectacular summer event for the whole family. Families can enjoy live music from artists such as Hey Lolly Band, Biscuit Brothers and Saddle Sores. Visitors can also chow down at the many food trucks or cool off with snow cones from Kona Ice. In addition to the good eats and beautiful music there will be various activities to take part in such as chalk art, face painting, ambulance tours with St. David’s Healthcare and of course, bubble-making foam pits!

Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus

Another must-see this summer is Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus. Visit Dell Hall June 6th-8th for an unforgettable experience. This event is the brainchild of the same production team that created the world’s largest magic show, The Illusionist and the award-winning puppeteers of the show War Horse. See Elephants take the ring in a way you have never seen before, as well as unique, dangerous circus acts never before seen!

17th Annual Soul to Sole Tap Festival

All you dancers, shuffle-step your way to the 17th Annual Soul to Sole Tap Festival at Rollins Studio Theatre on June 16th and 17th. This rhythmic festival will be hosted by Tapestry Dance Company, North America’s only full-time, professional, repertory tap dance company. Dancers and teachers from around the world will come together for master classes taught by a faculty of critically acclaimed artists.

Crosswinds is a community perfectly located for members to enjoy all the perks of suburban life but also to take advantage of nearby things to do in Austin. For more information on how to find a home in Kyle, TX, explore the Crosswinds website.

 

Image from Thinkstock by Getty Images. Item number: 537466648

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Area Attractions

The “Quest” For Family Fun is Over

Austin Texas attractions
(Image via questatx.com)

With so many Austin, Texas attractions, it can be really hard finding one that everyone in your family will enjoy. If your family is super active and loves the great outdoors or simply wants to try something new, check out Quest ATX! Just a short drive from our new homes in Kyle, TX, here are a few things to know about all the family fun you can have at Quest.

Wakeboarding

Austin’s first and only cable wake park, Quest ATX sits on 130 acres of uniquely manicured land. It’s a prime destination for all those who love trying something new. This isn’t your average wakeboarding experience. Instead of being pulled by a boat, you’re pulled by a cable down a preset path.

Mountain Biking

If you’re seeking an adventure that doesn’t involve getting in the water, Quest ATX also offers several miles of mountain biking trails that are fun for riders of any level. While they have wakeboards for the cable park, they don’t offer mountain bike rentals. So, if you want to explore the biking trails, make sure you bring your own bike.

Kids Camps

Are you looking for something fun that your kids can do during the summer? Quest ATX offers summer camps for kids ages 6-17. They have the Quest on Wheels camps which are for your land lovers and the Wakeboard camps for your water bugs who want to learn how to wakeboard.

Parties

Any Austin, Texas attraction would not be complete without the ability to throw one great party, and at Quest ATX you can do just that! From private parties for summer birthdays or fun business teambuilding events, Quest ATX sets the stage for summertime fun.

It’s time to get outside and have a blast with your whole family! If you’d like to learn more about all the fun things to do near Austin or about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.