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Tag: Kyle Texas

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Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Local Patios to Enjoy this Spring

Have you been outside lately? The days are longer, the mornings are perfectly crisp, and the days are getting warmer. Although spring officially starts on March 20th, we’d say the season is in full swing — and this is prime patio weather. If you’re looking for a good patio to kick back and enjoy a bite or a refreshing drink in Kyle, consider checking out these local spots. 

 

Aviator Pizza: With an array of sandwiches, an impressive 50-beer draft selection, and specialty pizzas that are meant to be shared, it’s no surprise this pizzeria has multiple locations in the Hill Country. Head down to the Kyle location at 856 Kohlers Crossing and you’ll find several picnic tables under the pizzeria’s porch that are perfect for catching up with friends and enjoying some delicious pizza. 

 

The pizza joint’s owners have been making pizzas for over three decades, and use fresh ingredients, so you know whatever you order is going to taste great. 

 

Casa Garcia’s: A bowl of queso or chips and guac is pretty tasty wherever you eat it, but it seems to taste just a little bit better when enjoyed on a patio. Make your way to the Kyle location of this local chain at 5401 S. FM 1626 and grab a seat on the outdoor patio next time you have a craving for great Mexican food. 

 

The restaurant first opened its doors in 1999 and has become a staple in the area, serving up dishes like fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, and chicken mole. When paired with a margarita and the warm breeze of a spring day, outdoor dining doesn’t get much better. 

 

The Shady Llama: This spot might not be within the Kyle city limits, but if you’re looking for a unique bar where the locals might just nuzzle up to you, it’s worth the 20-minute drive to Wimberly. The outdoor beer and wine garden is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon with friends, and meet a few new friends of the four-legged variety (six llamas and two miniature donkeys call the bar home).

 

The bar offers a range of local craft brews on tap as well as several wines and non-alcoholic beverages, should you bring along the kiddos. Whether you choose to grab a seat at the outdoor bar, one of the patio tables, or by the fire pit, there isn’t a bad seat in the house when the sun starts to set over the Hill Country horizon. 

 

The Railhouse: Great food? Check. Cold drinks? Check. Live music? Check. The Railhouse is the sort of place where you’re bound to find a good time, no matter what night you stop by. The bar and music venue has a large outdoor space with picnic tables and plenty of room to get up and dance, or just sit back with a tasty drink and take in the scene. 

 

Something is happening nearly every night of the week, whether it be a band playing, a DJ, or a game of trivia. And with two food trucks on site, a delicious bite to eat is mere steps away from the patio area. 

 

Sometimes, the best place to enjoy patio weather though is right in your own backyard. The homes in the master-planned Crosswinds community were designed with comfortable living in mind and many feature spacious outdoor patios. Plus, as a resident of Crosswinds, you’ll have access to amenities for every season with walking trails, a community pool, parks, and picnic tables! Reach out to us to learn more and to start the journey to your dream home. 

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Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

3.14 National Pi Day in the Pie Capital of Texas

When it comes to celebrating Pi Day (the March 14 holiday honoring mathematical constant π) you could celebrate it in the math lab working out its never-ending sequence, but where’s the fun in that? A much more enjoyable way to celebrate the day is by partaking a slice of pie!

 

It just so happens that Kyle is the pie capital of Texas, making it a perfect place to celebrate Pi Day. 

 

Pie and Pirates

 

If you’re looking for an unconventional way to celebrate Pi Day in Kyle, then consider checking out the PIErate Treasure Hunt. This kooky scavenger hunt sends participants across the city in search of eight numbered treasure chests. This year’s locations are still a mystery, but last year’s locations included Gregg-Clarke Park, city trails, Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, Waterleaf Park, Cool Springs Trail, and Steeplechase Park. We’re not saying those locations are going to have hidden chests this year, but it wouldn’t hurt to look. *wink*

 

Once participants do locate a chest, inside they’ll discover a clue, leading them toward the grand prize raffle of $314 (a nod to pi’s 3.14). The contest is open to all would-be treasure hunters and runs March 1 through 22. Best of luck! 

 

Pie and Pizza

 

Every great holiday involves food in the celebration and Pi Day is no different. If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for both sweet and savory pie, Kyle offers some great options. Consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Pizza Classics (118 S. Front Street). The pizzeria was voted “best pizza in Kyle” and has been around for decades. 

 

The staff makes their dough in-house each day, before topping the pies with fresh veggies and meats, whole milk mozzarella, and then sliding them in an “old school hearth oven.” The result is a truly out-of-this-world pizza that will have you reaching for another slice before you finish the first. 

 

After you’ve polished off a Pepperoni Lovers or Frito Pie Pizza, make your way over to the Texas Pie Company at 202 W. Center Street. Owner Julie Albertson has been baking pies since she was a child with her grandmother. We’re not sure if her pies officially qualify as “world famous” but they’re certainly “Texas famous” with newspaper and magazine clippings adorning the shop’s walls. Julie’s pies even got a recent shout-out on The Drew Barrymore Show!

 

Whether you choose to go with a slice of Southern Pecan, Lemon Chess, Chocolate Fudge, Peach, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, or one of the other flavors, you really can’t go wrong celebrating Pi Day at this local institution. 

 

Yes, when it comes to pie (or pi) and the city of Kyle, there are a range of fun and delicious options to choose from. It also just so happens that the mathematical holiday marks the halfway point to Kyle’s Pie in the Sky September celebration. So that’s yet another awesome event to look forward to and one of the many things that makes this city so great. 

 

If you’d like to find your own slice of paradise in Kyle, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community. As a resident of Kyle, you’ll be close to all the best pies in the area, with family-friendly amenities, great schools, and high-quality homes from the area’s top builders. 

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Family Fun Kyle Texas

Spring Break Camps Near Kyle, TX

The temperatures are starting to warm up and it’s looking a little greener outside with each passing week. Spring is clearly in the air and spring break is just around the corner! The Hays CISD spring break runs March 13 through the 17 and is an ideal time for kids to get outside and have a little fun. 

 

If you’re sticking around for the break and are in need of something fun for the kiddos to do, check out these spring break camps in the Kyle area and everything they have to offer!

 

San Marcos Parks & Rec Spring Break Camp: This day camp is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes place March 13-17 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The camp base is the Dunbar Recreation center and each day kids will get to participate in crafts and games, as well as go on nearby field trips. An afternoon snack is provided by the camp, but children will need to pack a lunch from home. Registration is $150 per child for San Marcos residents and $175 for non-residents. 

 

Spring Break Horseback Camp: Saddle up, campers because this spring break day camp is all about hitting the trails and literally horsing around. The day camp takes place from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sunny Fox Farms in Buda and is the perfect choice for any aspiring equestrians in your family. Kids will have the opportunity to learn bareback trail riding, jumping, and other riding skills in addition to participating in more typical camp activities such as crafts and water games.

 

The camp is open to children ages 5 to 15 of all riding skill levels, and registration is $450 per camper. Kids will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and comfy change of clothes to change into after riding. 

 

Kyle Parks & Rec Spring Break Camp: Costing just $100 for the week and located right here in Kyle at Mary-Kyle Hartson Square Park, this camp can’t be beaten when it comes to convenience for parents. Day camp hours are 7:45 AM to 5 PM and include five days of action-packed activities for kids. During the week, children in 2nd through 9th grade will get to participate in crafts, fishing, archery, and other fun activities. Campers should bring a water bottle and pack lunch each day.

 

Gymnastics Spring Break Camp: If your child is looking to flip, tumble, and jump into some major fun, this day camp put on by Olympia Hills Gymnastics is a great choice. Located in Buda, the camp is for children ages 5 to 12 and runs from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. Registration is $57 for single days and $32 a day if your child is attending all five days. Campers are sure to burn off their energy with a range of fun gymnastics games and lessons each day.

 

There’s also no shortage of great day trips near Kyle that families can take advantage of during their spring break. With so much to explore within an hour’s drive, it’s no wonder so many people love the convenience Kyle offers. If you’d like to find a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Family Fun

Caylor Forge Blacksmithing in Nearby Gruene

Working with metal to form a tool, otherwise known as blacksmithing, is one of the oldest trades that’s still utilized today. While there have been advances in the craft, today’s process of hammering hot iron to create a tool is not all that different from how it was done back in ancient Egypt. 

 

If you’re curious about the art of blacksmithing or simply want to learn something new, then you owe it to yourself to check out Caylor Forge & Leatherworks in nearby San Antonio and Gruene. 

 

A Family Business

 

Caylor Forge is run by the Caylor family and was founded in 2018. As told by Sabrina Caylor, the family didn’t have a lineage in the craft but discovered a passion for it as a hobby that later morphed into a family business. 

 

“We fell in love with it and trained with some of the most amazing blacksmiths I’ve ever met from all over the United States,” Sabrina said. 

 

The shop’s first location was set up in Gruene and is only “steps away” from the town’s original blacksmith shop that was in operation back in the 1800s. Surrounded by the history of Gruene, Caylor Forge is a chance for visitors to step back in time and get a glimpse of old-world craftsmanship, and even create something for themselves. 

 

Handmade Souvenirs (By You!)

 

One of the coolest things about a visit to Caylor Forge & Leatherworks is that visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at the craft and hammer out their own souvenir. A variety of pieces are available to make including copper bracelets, railroad spike bottle openers, and several types of knives. 

 

The blacksmithing process typically takes between 20 minutes and two hours depending on the piece being made, and prices start at $25. While walk-ins are accepted, making a reservation is advised.

 

Now if you’re ready to step up to something a little bit more intensive, the shop also offers one and two-day classes where participants will learn to make an heirloom-quality knife or a pipe tomahawk.

 

Shop and Sharpen

 

Even if sticking a piece of iron in hot coals and pounding it out on an anvil doesn’t sound like your typical fun afternoon activity, Caylor Forge is worth a visit. The shop offers some stunning handmade leather pieces such as briefcases, wallets, and journals, as well as beautiful housewares and jewelry. 

 

Of course, the highlight of the Caylor Forge shop is the handmade knives. With knives ranging from cleavers to medieval daggers, the shop offers blades both for function and eye-catching display. 

 

And if your knives are getting a bit dull, you can even take your old knives to the shop and they’ll sharpen them up for you. Just drop them off and they’ll let you know when they’re ready. Most knives can be sharpened and picked up the very same day. 

 

Being just a half-hour drive from Kyle, Caylor Forge is one of those small businesses that are perfect to check out on a weekend trip. 

 

To learn more about what makes Kyle such a wonderful location to live, play, and work in, and find your perfect home, contact the Crosswinds team. 

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Kyle Kyle Texas

Refresh Your Closet at these Nearby Boutiques

 

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, Christmas gifts, or something special for yourself, there are some wonderful boutique shops nearby. While there are numerous shops and stores to choose from, here are five that should be on your stop-and-shop list. 

 

Two P’s & Calli’s: Be sure to stop by this San Marcos original next time you’re in town. The local shop was opened by the mother and daughter team Pam Couch and Calli Swindle almost 30 years ago and is still a favorite with customers new and old. 

 

They aim to provide a “complete shopping experience” for every woman inside the 6,000-square-foot boutique. From shoes to handbags, and candles to housewares and furniture, you’re bound to spot a great find on every visit. 

 

Ellipsis Boutique: Located in nearby Buda, this local boutique opened its doors in 2017 and has been pulling in curious shoppers in search of unique finds ever since. If your style is a combination of vintage, modern flair, and comfort in mind, then you’re going to love browsing the racks of Ellipsis. 

 

From vintage concert tees to flowing summer dresses and chic clutches, this shop is a treasure chest of fun finds. 

 

The Mercantile at Mill + Grain: It’s rare to find a store where you could get something for everyone on your Christmas list all under one roof, but The Mercantile in Buda just might be that store. Yes, they have tops and bottoms for both a chill Saturday afternoon watching the game as well as for getting dolled up for a night on the town later on.

 

The shop also has great men’s products such as travel mugs and hats, as well as home decor and children’s toys and books. As we mentioned, it’s a one-stop shop!

 

Vintage Soul: Hopping in the car and heading up the road to Dripping Springs is a worthy trip for this cute boutique that offers vintage style, yet is anything but stuck in the past. With tops, pants, and dresses that can work equally well at a Sunday afternoon barbecue and a Monday morning business meeting, it’s no wonder this local boutique is going 10 years strong. 

 

In addition to handbags and totes, the shop also offers home decor and a range of paper products such as journals and puzzles. 

 

Trends & Traditions: This San Marcos store has carved out a place all its own and has been providing its customers with unique items since 1966. If you’re looking for clothing, a handbag, or a piece of jewelry that is sure to grab attention in the very best of ways, you’ll find it here.

 

The shop also carries a range of accessories such as hats, eyeglasses, bandanas, and glassware that are reflective of the Texas Hill Country spirit and culture. 

From the proximity to shopping to its variety of local restaurants and robust economy, there are a lot of reasons to love living in Kyle. If you’d like to find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team to learn more. 

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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.

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Lifestyle

Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re in a 5-year relationship, happily flying solo but celebrating with friends, or looking to show a potential new love interest that they’re on your mind, finding a special gift can be a challenge. Of course, there isn’t one perfect Valentine’s Day gift – it all depends on the relationship and who you’re shopping for. 

 

From subscription boxes to local goods and Hill Country day trips, here are some ideas for the sweetheart in your life. 

 

Something Sweet

 

You really can’t go wrong with chocolate on February 14. It’s a classic gift and just about everybody loves a little something sweet now and then. Delysia Chocolatier in Austin offers specialty chocolates for all occasions with vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and nut-free options. Because everybody deserves to enjoy good chocolate.

 

Faith, Hope & Cupcakes is a Kyle bakery that’s sure to satisfy your sweetie’s sweet tooth with some seriously delicious cupcakes. There’s even the option of a Valentine’s DIY cupcake box, so you both can decorate and enjoy your treats together—a perfect date night in!

 

Something Beautiful

 

A floral bouquet might not be a new and revolutionary Valentine’s Day gift, but it’s a classic. Always has been, and always will be. The Kyle Flower Shop has a skilled floral design staff capable of creating the perfect arrangement for every occasion and event. Not surprisingly, this is one of the shop’s busiest times of the year and it offers a range of bouquets from classic roses to lilies, carnations, and everything in between. Looking for something a little more unique? The staff is happy to work on custom pieces that are sure to impress. 

 

Something Unique 

 

Subscription boxes are one of the fastest-growing sectors of retail with the market expected to hit $65 billion by 2027! What makes them so appealing is that there’s a box for just about every interest out there and who doesn’t like getting a mystery box of goodies in the mail?

 

Food boxes ranging from cheese to coffee, nuts, and even oysters are a popular favorite. There are also boxes for hobbies such as jigsaw puzzles, needlepoint, gardening, and fans of true crime novels. 

 

Something Adventurous (or Relaxing)

 

If you’re looking to create some new memories with your significant other, consider opting for a weekend getaway – or even just a day trip. Kyle residents are fortunate that we’re close to some pretty fantastic places that are less than a few hours away. 

Fredericksburg is a popular travel destination with several wineries, downtown boutique shopping, and historical attractions. And just a little over an hour’s drive from Kyle is Shiner – home of Shiner Beer! The pride and joy of this small Texas town, a visit, and a tour of the brewery are a must.

 

South of Kyle you’ll find New Braunfels. With its outdoor attractions, live music venues, and restaurants delivering local flavor, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular close-to-home weekend getaway. 

 

Sometimes the perfect Valentine’s Day is simply a romantic evening with someone special at home. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in Kyle, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Area Attractions Kyle Kyle Texas

Local Business Highlight: Silo Glass Studio

Less than a half hour’s drive from Kyle, you’ll find Silo Glass Studio in San Marcos. Here you’ll discover a community of artists creating some truly stunning pieces of work. Glass is the prominent material of choice, but the artists here also work in both wood and metal. Whether you’re looking to add some locally-created art to your home, or you’re looking to test your skills in glasswork, Silo Glass Studio is the place! 

 

 

Over 30 Years of Creativity

 

Today, the studio is spacious enough to showcase the 3D works of more than two dozen artists, but way back in 1985, the studio founded by Ralph and Jean Petley was much smaller. It specialized in stained glass and for a few years even sold antiques. Chester John and Elissa Beach would eventually buy it in 2014 and with that purchase came a complete overhaul of the space.

 

The old studio was torn down and a new studio was built with upgrades to the property such as a koi pond and two waterfalls outside. The new Silo Glass was also able to expand in size, adding more than 2,000 square feet – making it the largest glass studio in Central Texas. 

 

Not only is the larger studio able to accommodate more visitors, but it allows its artists to spread out and create some incredible works of art. 

 

The Showroom and Exhibits

 

To simply describe the pieces here as “beautiful” or to try to put them into a one-size-fits-all category wouldn’t do them justice. Some pieces are realistic and look like they could come to life, while others are more abstract and serve as an interesting focal point to add to any room. The studio has some pieces that are only for display, but if you’re on the hunt for a glass piece to add to your home or business, some pieces are available to purchase. 

 

Many of the artists also work with customers on specially commissioned products that can bring a truly unique and customized touch to your office space or home. Ranging from small to big and bold, each piece of art is a one-of-a-kind creation that you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Classes

 

One of our favorite things about Silo Glass Studio is that it’s not just a place to admire the works of local artists, but it offers visitors a chance to get in touch with their inner artists. 

 

The studio offers a range of classes focused on a variety of projects for both beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. In one of the two-hour beginner classes, for example, participants will learn to make a glass coaster dish. More advanced and intermediate classes focus on skills such as fusing and open-faced casting that can be used in jewelry making and creating hand-crafted ornaments. 

 

Whether you want to embrace your artistic spirit, shop for a special gift, or simply check out some local art, a visit to Silo Glass Studio is an opportunity to see some of the area’s most talented artists at work. 

 

Silo Glass Studio in nearby San Marcos is one of the many places that make for a fun afternoon day trip for Kyle residents. To learn more about Kyle and finding a home here, contact the Crosswinds team. 

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Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Get Outside in Kyle, TX

Image from The City of Kyle - Local Government Facebook

Although winter has technically just begun, many parts of Texas are already feeling like spring with crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Whether you are looking for more ways to spend days outside or you have more free time on your schedule this time of year, whatever the case may be, here are just a few ways to get outside and discover (or rediscover) all that Kyle has going on.

 

County Line Polo Club – Did you know that Kyle has its polo club? That’s right, you can try your hand at the sport of British aristocrats without having to jump aboard a flight to England. The County Line Polo Club is a local polo club open to the public that specializes in teaching aspiring and skilled equestrians the sport of polo. The club’s instructors offer both individual classes as well as team training to individuals of all ages. The club even has matches for riders to show off their mallet-swinging skills. 

 

If you’re looking to try a new sport this year, you just found it. Giddy up!

 

Sports and Rec Leagues – Perhaps you prefer sports that don’t require you to climb aboard another animal… we get it. The Kyle Parks and Rec Department has options aimed at more traditional sports with winter and spring leagues. 

 

Adult sports leagues include roller hockey as well as kickball, which kicks off at the end of this month. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there’s also the adult spring fishing tournament happening in April – with a cash jackpot!

 

Kids aren’t left out of the fun as they have their youth fishing tournament, as well as leagues for basketball, swimming, and hockey in the winter and spring months. 

 

City Parks – Sometimes making the most of the great outdoors can be as simple as going for a walk. Two of our favorite places to take in some natural beauty are Lake Kyle and Mary Kyle Hartson City Park. 

 

Lake Kyle is a wonderful spot for a morning or evening walk and is a popular destination for fishing. Birding enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting this park, with herons, ducks, egrets, and other species of waterfowl calling the lake home. Starting in early spring, Lake Kyle is a great place to enjoy some beautiful wildflowers, including a large population of Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. 

 

Mary Kyle Hartson City Park is a small but charming park and has been part of the city since the early 1900s. It’s a great place for enjoying your lunch break outside or killing some time with the kiddos. In 2020, the city made several improvements including a playground, picnic tables, a rain garden, and a 20-foot-wide promenade. 

 

Plum Creek Golf Course – Kyle is in close proximity to some of the best golfing in Texas and if you’re looking to hit the links in the new year, then you’ll want to check out Plum Creek Golf Course. The 18-hole public course is surrounded by the “natural beauty of Texas live oaks, limestone, rolling hills, and Texas wildflowers,” making each drive down the fairway all the more impressive. 

 

The course also offers private lessons, a pro shop, and bar and grill for guests to enjoy a meal or cocktail before tee time. 

 

There’s plenty more Kyle has to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in this wonderful city, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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Uncategorized

Productive Habits to Start the New Year

We all know that the new year is a time when many of us pin a list of resolutions or goals that we hope to accomplish in the next 365 days. Most of us are probably also familiar that a great deal of those resolutions fizzle out by the end of February. 

 

Sometimes achieving a goal is all about developing good, consistent habits to set you on the right track for meeting that goal. On average, it takes around 66 days to develop a behavior into a new habit … here are a few you might want to consider trying on for size. 

 

Healthy Habits in 2023

 

Exercising and eating healthy are some of the most common resolutions people set for themselves in the new year. One of the best healthy habits you can adopt is drinking more water. Drinking water helps curb food cravings, ease digestion, hydrate your muscles, and transport nutrients throughout the body. 

 

It’s also an incredibly easy habit to pick up! Buy a new water bottle and keep it by your keys before you head out the door in the morning. Keep it by your desk while you work and before you know it, you’ll be sipping H2O 24/7.

 

We hear it often: “Exercise more!” Easier said than done, right? Well, maybe not. Mental tricks can help you develop a good exercise routine. Set a reminder on your phone to do 2 minutes of exercise three days a week during a time when you know you’re generally not too busy (everybody can squeeze in 2 minutes). Increase it to 5 minutes the next week. Then 10… 20…40… working up to one hour. Before you know it, the habit is set.

 

Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one workout either, or you risk getting bored easily. Take a class at the Kyle recreation center for a week. If you live in Crosswinds, hit the treadmill in the Crosswinds gym the next week, walk on a trail, or swim laps in the pool during the warmer months. Pretty soon, regular exercise will be second nature. 

 

Strengthen Your Mind

 

Put your Kyle Library card to good use in 2023 and make reading for pleasure a weekly habit. Not only will regular reading increase your knowledge of the world around you as well as broaden your vocabulary, but it will strengthen your memory and ability to effectively communicate with others. 

 

And speaking of communication, a great new habit to work on in the new year is the art of listening. As Forbes points out, being a good listener can help reinforce bonds in both your personal and professional relationships. It might sound easy, but active listening can be tricky for a lot of people. 

 

A few tips to keep in mind include trying to maintain good eye contact, don’t interrupt but instead focusing on what the person is saying, and waiting for the speaker to pause. Consciously trying to understand and visualize what the other person is saying can also help make you a better listener.

 

There is going to be a lot happening in Kyle in 2023, and adopting a few good habits at the start of the year can help you make the most of it. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in a community that encourages an active lifestyle, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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