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Area Attractions Events Family Fun Lifestyle

Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day Near Kyle, TX

st. patricks day

Consider it the luck of the Irish that our homes at Crosswinds in Kyle, TX are close to a variety of bustling cities with special events and holiday celebrations, especially Austin. There are so many fun things to do for St. Patrick’s Day near Kyle, TX. Here are a couple of our favorite ways to celebrate the Irish holiday!

Enjoy an Authentic Irish Celebration

St. Patrick’s Day Austin is a fantastic display of authentic Irish culture and pride. Come out and enjoy an array of Irish music, authentic food and refreshing drinks. A few of the musicians that will be playing throughout the day include Hightime, Realta and The Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums. Food offerings will consist of fish and chips, Irish pastries and, of course, corned beef and cabbage. Irish beer will also be on tap, but absolutely no green beer will be served at St. Patrick’s Day Austin!

Experience a Piece of Irish Culture

Once you’ve gotten your fill of Irish food and beer, rest your feet by watching performances of the Irish jig from the Inishfree Austin Irish Dancers and the Clickety Cloggers. You and your family can also try your hand at learning Gaelic. The Gaelic League of Austin will be hosting a free language workshop! Kids of all ages are invited to sign up to participate in Bumper Ball Soccer, where they’ll attempt to play a game of soccer while in a protective bubble, or one of the various other kid-friendly activities of the day. St. Patrick’s Day Austin will offer fun the whole family can enjoy!

Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub & Grub

Located on the square in Downtown San Marcos, Sean Patrick’s is the perfect place to spend your St. Patrick’s Day near Kyle, TX. Sean Patrick’s, dubbed the unofficial official St. Patrick’s Day party in San Marcos, will be celebrating all weekend long in true Irish spirit! Come join them for live music, green beer and great food. Drink specials will also be released closer to the date, so be sure to follow them on Facebook to be the first to hear about the specials.

These are just a few of the many festive things to do for St. Patrick’s Day near our master-planned community in Kyle, TX. With a convenient location, you’ll never run out of fun things to do near Crosswinds. Connect with our master-planned community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 921626672.

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Family Fun Lifestyle

Louie’s BBQ in Buda Relocated from Downtown Austin

In Texas, we take our barbecue very seriously, and we’re so excited to announce that a South Congress barbecue hot spot has made its way south of Austin. Louie’s BBQ in Buda opened in early 2019 near our master-planned community in Kyle. Here’s a bit more information on Louie’s and why we think it might be the best-kept barbecue secret in Austin.

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(Image via Facebook.com)

About Louie’s BBQ

Run by husband and wife, Luis and Amy Vasquez, Louie’s BBQ in Buda was born out of a love for cooking and entertaining. Luis Vasquez was an insurance adjuster for more than 16 years before discovering his passion for food. After seven years of cooking for family and friends and two years of catering, Luis was able to purchase his trailer and open the BBQ joint to the public in 2017.

Moving to Buda, TX

The barbecue spot first opened at a place on South Congress Avenue, but in late 2018 Louie’s BBQ decided it was time to head south, to Buda, TX. Luis Vasquez felt the Austin trailer and barbecue scene were getting a bit saturated, and Saint Elmo Public Market is set to open at the same South Congress address in October. The owners were proactive about moving and saw an opportunity to help get Buda on the barbecue map.

 Mexican-BBQ Fusion

Louie’s BBQ in Buda has coined the phrase “Mexican-BBQ fusion,” and the menu is full of unique combinations coupled with traditional barbecue favorites. From the seasoned brisket coated in Louie’s signature rub to the tasty tacos and fresh street corn, each menu item is packed full of mouthwatering goodness. If they’re still available, Louie’s sensational stuffed potatoes are a crowd favorite, topped with signature brisket or pulled pork straight from the custom-built BBQ pit. If you love Louie’s BBQ and want it at your next event, you’re in luck because they cater.

Is your mouth watering yet? Louie’s BBQ in Buda is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am until they sell out for the day. We recommend going early and coming hungry! You can stay up to date with daily availability and truck by following Louie’s on Facebook. You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter. If you’d like to learn more about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Family Fun Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Special Someone

Feeling a little stressed about what to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day? You can do so much better than a card this year with these Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him and her, for best friends and even for family. There’s something for everyone in Crosswinds’ Valentine’s Day gift guide. 

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

This Valentine’s Day, don’t just say it, say it in morse code! Gift your valentine with a customizable morse code necklace and she’ll always carry you with her. If your valentine prefers plants over jewelry, add some life to her office space with one of these chic planters. Another romantic gift idea for your favorite female is a personalized wine bottle. You can choose from mini or standard size bottles and either simply personalize the label or engrave the bottle.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

Do you know what time it is? Time to get the man in your life a handsome box to organize and store his treasured timepieces. Watch him fall in love the moment he opens this gift! Is your valentine less of a watch guy and more of a beer connoisseur? Allow him to experiment and make his own beer right from home with a beermaking kit, like this Everyday IPA kit from UncommonGoods. If your Valentine has been droning on about how cool he thinks drones are, we can help! Check out this mini quadcopter version, the perfect option for beginners.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for the Family

Who said Valentine’s Day is just about giving gifts to your significant other? This year enjoy the holiday as a family with these fun gift ideas. A subscription box is a gift that keeps on giving well beyond the holiday. Graze boxes deliver an assortment of yummy, nutritious snacks straight to your front door, making it perfect for those busy days. If your family enjoys spending time together in the kitchen, give the family the gift of a “Baked with Love” personalized pie plate! It’ll be sure to inspire an abundance of family time in the kitchen.

Make this Valentine’s Day one they won’t forget and give your valentine a gift from the heart! If you’re in the market for a new home this Valentine’s Day, fall in love with our master-planned community in Kyle, TX. Contact Crosswinds today to learn about our new homes. You can also connect with our master-planned community on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Image via GettyImages. Creative number 909486494.

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Area Attractions Lifestyle

Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos Now Open Near Crosswinds

Attention all beer lovers! We’re excited to announce that yet another brewery has just opened near our master-planned community in Kyle. While Crosswinds is in Kyle, TX, Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos is just a quick drive from our new homes near Austin. Here’s a little more information about this new brewery and their great beer.

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(Image via Facebook.com)

About Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos

Located on 5 acres of a family ranch in San Marcos, this family-owned brewery serves refreshing, farmhouse-style beer. Founders Alex and Davy Pasternak appreciate the hard-working and straightforward way of life and have strived to create a beer that speaks to that lifestyle. Alex, who works on the sales and marketing side of the business, is captivated by a weathered and woody aesthetic and is working to make Roughhouse Brewing the rustic beer brand she has always envisioned. The brewery, complete with a tasting room inside a rustic barn, opened its doors in December 2018 and serves up cold brews Wednesdays from 12pm – 2pm, Thursdays & Fridays from 4pm – 9pm, Saturdays from 12pm – 9pm and Sundays from 12pm – 5pm.

The Cold Brews

The cold beer from Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos is a perfect compliment to the Texas backdrop – dry, oaky and earthy. The farmhouse ales are brewed using traditional techniques supported by modern equipment. Currently, the brewery is serving up four distinct brews, including a low-alcohol everyday ale, a rustic and hoppy IPA, a farmhouse amber and a dark saison. The farmhouse amber, called “ONA”, is named after Great Grandma Mary Pasternak and features hints of cherry – a nod to those that Mary used to grow in her garden. Already love the beer and looking for other places you can find it? Check out Roughhouse Brewing’s ‘Where-to-Buy’ guide.

Beyond the Brews

Unique beer and beautiful views aren’t the only things showcased at Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos. An onsite restaurant, S. Baker Kitchen, provides a tasty selection of smoked meats and shareable snacks. All the food offered at Roughhouse is distinctive and easy to share, making it a great compliment to the beer.  

Stay up to date with all things Roughhouse Brewing by following them on Facebook. You can also connect with our master-planned community in Kyle on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter to learn about other things to do near Kyle.

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Education Lifestyle

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Winter Electricity Bill

From rainy days spent curled up near the fire to sparkling snowbanks, winter is a magical time of year. However, some of this magic diminishes when you receive your winter electricity bill in the mail.  This season, make sure your home is ready to combat the big chill without breaking the bank by following these energy-saving tips.

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1. Switch your ceiling fan’s rotation

Have you ever looked at which direction your ceiling fan is spinning? If not, take some time to do so now because the blades’ rotation can actually help you save on heating costs. Ensure that your fan’s blades are rotating clockwise because this direction will push the warmer air down.

2. Upgrade your wood-burning fireplace

There’s nothing quite like curling up next to a crackling wood-burning fireplace on a chilly day, but this could be contributing to your high winter electricity bill. If you’re looking to save some money, consider upgrading your fireplace to an EPA certified-model or energy efficient insert. 

3. Let the sunshine in

During the day, take advantage of as much sunlight as possible. Open the blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to naturally heat your home. This not only eliminates the need for the heater during the day, it also opens your home up to a beautiful winter backdrop. 

4. Switch to LED light bulbs

If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, making the switch to LED bulbs could reduce your electricity bill tremendously, even after the winter months are long gone. LED lights use about 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer life span. 

5. Invest in a smart thermostat

Saving energy is a beautiful thing and smart thermostats can help you do just that. Smart thermostats allow you to select a comfortable temperature for when you get up in the morning and after you head out the door, you can lower the temperature right from your phone. Smart thermostats can adjust to your lifestyle and help you eliminate unnecessary electricity usage.

You don’t have to sacrifice your home’s comfort to keep your winter electricity bill low. Following these homeowner tips will help you save big on your electricity bill long after the winter chill is gone. Save even more on your winter electricity bill when you move into a brand new home at Crosswinds, complete with the latest energy-efficient home technology which will keep electricity costs down throughout the year. Contact Crosswinds today to stay up-to-date on other homeowner tips and to learn more about our master-planned community in Kyle, TX. You can also connect with Crosswinds on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Image via Getty Images. Creative number 962705200.

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Family Fun

Three DIY Projects to Celebrate the Holidays in Kyle

Do you like to go overboard during the holidays? If cooking dinner and cleaning up are not enough for the ever-festive go-getter in you, then try making your own winter decorations to make your home feel ready for the holidays in Kyle. There are lots of fun ways to personalize your home in Kyle this holiday. Crosswinds has a list of the three fun DIY projects to help decorate the house. Try this collection of fun and original DIY tips for projects to make your home feel amazing this season.

Sweater Snowmen

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These cute sweater snowmen are the perfect fit for any mantle or display case this holiday season. Use something you never wear anymore or you can visit thrift a thrift store. Thrift stores are always stocked full of knit material of almost any color you could think off. Follow these easy steps to bring some cheer to your holiday decorations.

Paper Star Ornaments

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These budget-friendly holiday crafts are elegant and will make any tree stand out. All while having fun crafting them. You can use almost any kind of paper too. The sky is the limit. You can use pretty scrapbook paper, pages from a book, sheet music or just plain white computer paper.

DIY Felt Pine Trees

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Another fun and easy idea to take your house from cheerful all the way to festive. These cute little rustic trees are elementary to create, all while being easy on the wallet. You can find felt at Walmart or any craft store. The wood elements will accent any of your decorations perfectly and will help bring a bit of the outdoors inside without the hassle of taking care of an actual live tree.

Contact Crosswinds today to stay up-to-date on other DIY tips and for more information on things happening for the holidays in Kyle and in our master-planned community. You can also connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Area Attractions Homebuilder

Why You Should Start House Hunting During Winter

When it comes to homes near Austin, especially the new homes in Kyle, TX, it’s never too early to start looking! Crosswinds in Kyle, TX is the perfect master-planned community to call home, and 2017 is the year to start your search. Here’s why:

Perfect Timing for a Summer Move

Buying a home isn’t always a quick process. However, if you start your search during winter and find a community and home that you love, you can finalize all the details and paperwork in time for a summer move. This is especially great if you have children in school because then they can start out at a new school in August instead of moving in the middle of an ongoing school year.

Less Demand

Winter is the perfect time to start house hunting because there is less competition between homebuyers. With so many homes near Austin being built, there is no shortage of options, but half of the stress of home buying is competing with other potential buyers. Take advantage of the low competition and start your search during these slower months.

Rates are Still Low, But Not for Long

For some time now mortgage rates have been close to record lows, but that is starting to change. Since the presidential election, mortgage interest rates have risen approximately .5 percent, which is actually considered a rapid increase. While experts don’t believe that type of rise will continue, they do expect it to slowly rise throughout 2017 and the coming years. So don’t delay and start searching for your new home before this winter is over!

Our master-planned community will have plenty of new homes in Kyle, TX available, and they’re all being built by three amazing homebuilders that are known for their quality construction and attention to customer service.

Get a head start on all the other homebuyers out there, and begin house hunting now! You can start your search with our master-planned community of new homes in Kyle, TX. Learn more about Crosswinds in Kyle, TX and contact us today!

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